AIDS Law

Book excerpt: Since its first appearance in the United States in the early 1980's, AIDS has become a sweeping epidemic. At the end of 2005, the Center for Disease Control estimated that 437,982 people were living with AIDS in the United States and that number continues to rise. Medical and political communities have tirelessly struggled to develop policy that will both protect the general public from the spread of the disease as well as safeguard the rights and autonomy of those afflicted. In this third edition ofAIDS and the Law, Margaret Jasper discusses the legalities associated with this disease, including an individual's rights regarding employment, education, health care, and insurance under various federal, state and local laws. She sets forth an overview of the medical aspects of AIDS, the testing procedures, and some of the common treatments currently available as well as briefly outlines its background and history. In addition, she tackles controversy over mandatory testing, reporting and partnership notification and also the discrimination sufferers' face.AIDS and the Lawcompiles necessary information for someone who wants to learn more about the legal issues surrounding this epidemic.