Mandatory Testing for HIV

Abstract

To the Editor. —Dr Francis' 1 well-articulated article about the inability of the CDC to proceed with appropriate and vigorous response to the HIV epidemic was alarming. It has long been my suspicion, as well as (I am sure) that of many practicing physicians, that the political response to this unprecedented and extremely serious epidemic was as Francis states, health malpractice! Furthermore, as Francis mentions, this indefensible reaction of politicians in the past two administrations has led to the death of many individuals who might not otherwise have died. Furthermore, it has led to the infection of many thousands more individuals with HIV than might otherwise have occurred. I find it disturbing that this article is a text of Francis' retirement speech. This implies to me that Francis did not feel comfortable going public with his appropriate views prior to his retirement. Perhaps concerned scientists and physicians at the