"State Considers Autopsy AIDS Tests"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1989. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"State Considers Autopsy AIDS Tests"

Associated Press (12/16/89)

Abstract: Boston--In the wake of last week's decision by New York City health officials to test for HIV during autopsies, medical officials in Massachusetts are debating similar action. "This is a serious disease, a lethal contagious diesease, and our hands are tied for investigation, reporting, and protecting those around us," said Pierre Provost, chairman of the state commission on medical-legal investigation. "If we treated syphilis like we treat AIDS, humanity would have been dead a century ago." A leading AIDS activist said, however, that the New York program is "outrageous," and he will oppose any such action in Massachusetts. Larry Kessler, director of the AIDS Action Committee, said medical examiners would have to guess who the person's contacts were. Tom McNaught, spokesman for state Attorney General James Shannon, said his office is concerned with AIDS confidentiality statutes and is consulting the Department of Public Health and the medical-legal investigation commission on the issue.

891216
AD892670

Copyright © 1989 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1989. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1989. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.