AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and Employment Discrimination
Abstract
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) confronts society and the law with a host of problems. Employment discrimination has already arisen as one of the more contentious of these problems. AIDS has several unique aspects that make employment discrimination issues controversial and complicated. First, there is neither a vaccine nor cure for the disease. Second, it appears to be 100% fatal. Third, it is contagious. These three factors have caused considerable fear in the populace directed towards the victim or carrier of the disease even though it is believed to be almost impossible to contract the disease through casual contact with a carrier. Fourth, in the United States it has been a disease primarily limited to male homosexuals and intravenous drug abusers. Homosexuals, although generally not favored in our society, have proven to be a very local and assertive force in demanding protection from all forms of discrimination. Fifth, a person may be contagious but asymptomatic for years. It is not yet known how many of these asymptomatic carriers will go on to develop AIDS; estimates range from 4% to 100%. Sixth, there are medical conditions between AIDS and asymptomatic carriers of the AIDS virus where the victim suffers from various physical maladies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA185016
Entities
People
- Stephen J. Coyle
Organizations
- George Washington University