Challenge of AIDS

Ethical challenges posed by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are described. A small minority of health-care workers are refusing to treat persons with AIDS because they fear exposure, and some hospitals known to care for AIDS patients are being avoided as sites for training in the health professions. Some patients also are avoiding institutions that care for AIDS patients. The United States Department of Labor and Department of Health and Human Services have issued safety guidelines for health-care workers; the guidelines are intended to protect workers and to convince them not to shun AIDS patients. Given the high cost of care for AIDS patients, the question of whether the nation can pay for the best possible care for every patient must be dealt with. Also, the right of an individual to confidentiality must be balanced against risk to the community. To deal compassionately and justly with AIDS, courageous leadership and serious discussion of ethical issues are needed.