AIDS ISSUES: A Handbook

by David E. Newton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1992

The purpose here, well-accomplished, differs from most AIDS books: Newton explores social, political, economic, and ethical issues; trends and science information emerge in these contexts. Readers of all ages will find new material: three states have passed laws allowing HIV+ people to be quarantined; a controversial virologist believes AIDS is not caused by a virus, but by drugs; there are AIDS statistics for rural areas, plus information on the work of ACT UP. Difficult questions are posed: Should condom ads be allowed on TV? What are the pros and cons for testing health workers and patients? Should AIDS research be allowed to drain other medical research? Each is given balanced treatment, with an eye toward conflicting rights--e.g., privacy vs. public protection. Particularly well handled is the storm of fear aroused by this disease; Newton wisely looks into how feelings affect decision-making. (It would have helped if incidents were identified by year: attitudes have changed--would lesbians be fired today from Johns Hopkins for fear of HIV contagion?) A useful handbook. Notes; bibliography; index.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1992

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 144

Publisher: Enslow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1992

Categories: CHILDREN'S