Date: Fri, 5 Apr 1996 18:01:34 -0400
From: GAYLESBLA@aol.com
Subject: ACTION ALERT!  AB 2812 Essentially Eliminates Anonymous HIV Testing

FROM:  Eric Astacaan, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Public Policy Dept.

TO:  Friends

DATE:  April 5, 1996

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Please cross-distribute as widely as possible!

A C T I O N   A L E R T
Assembly Bill 2812 Would Mandate
Names Reporting, Essentially Eliminating
Anonymous Testing for HIV

Assembly Bill 2812 is scheduled to be heard in the Assembly Health
Committee on April 16th.  Under this bill, HIV-infection will be added to
the list of diseases that must be reported to the State Department of
Health Services.  Physicians and other health care professionals will have
to report individuals who tested positive for HIV to the local health
officer,
who would then forward the names to the department.  The effect of this
bill would be to eliminate all anonymous testing in the State of California.

Mandating names reporting of those who test positive for HIV results
in fewer individuals being tested.  Moreover, individuals will not seek
treatment until it is medically necessary because of the fear of being
reported or because they avoid testing and are not aware that they are
infected.  Without an early HIV detection, the chances for early medical
intervention is diminished.  Early intervention enables persons with HIV to
work longer before becoming disabled. In addition, it also prevents costly
in-patient care by providing prophylactic treatments for opportunistic
infections such as pneumocystis pneumonia, the most common reason
for persons with AIDS to be hospitalized.

AB 2812 is sponsored by the Capitol Resource Institute, an extremely
conservative lobbying group affiliated with Focus on the Family and
State Senator Robb Hurtt, the same folks who supported quarantine
camps for all people living with HIV and AIDS.

                     HERE'S WHAT YOU MUST DO NOW!!!
                                    
* Call and/or send a letter opposing AB 2812 to your State Assemblymember.
If you do not know who your Assemblymember is, please call your
county registrar's office.  In Los Angeles, you can call (310) 462-2748.

* Share this action alert with your family, friends and colleagues to ensure
maximum mobilization efforts.

If you have any question, please call the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's
Public Policy Department at (213) 860-7350.
                                    
Short, personal handwritten letters are the most effective.