I think it is a good idea to have expecting mothers tested for HIV (too bad it cannot be anonymous results). I do not agree to force people to get tested, but I do believe all women should get tested before giving birth. If they find out they are HIV positive, they can almost eliminate (less than 1% chance) the chances of baby getting HIV by following the CDC guidelines (C-section birth, 6 weeks of AZT treatment for baby and mother) and making sure the mother doesn’t breast feed (HIV virus can be transmitted through breast milk).

Isn’t Codey the guy who stepped in as Governor when McGreevy resigned, and again when Corzine was injured in a car accident?

Didn’t he also do a really good job as Acting Gov both times?  He’s a Dem, right?

I think I agree with him it’s a no-brainer. We pro-choicers and even the anti-abortionists agree that once the baby is born he/she is now a full person and citizen with rights and protections.

When it comes to contagious diseases, I think your “right” to refuse treatment impinges on my right not to be exposed to such diseases.

HIV is epidemic, here, and far worse in other nations.  Treatment begun at the earliest detection is most important.

This “right” means a Typhoid Mary could refuse treatment, refuse quarantine, claim that “she” couldn’t be denied her “right” to work in a food service, and could infect and even kill thousands.

So where do rights end? Simple: Your right to swing your fist ends before you hit my nose.

Hi,

I was born in New Jersey and am currently living in Portugal. Here the HIV test has been mandatory for pregnant women for a very long time. It’s time for Americans to stop and think what really matters. We can’t make such a big fuss about a Health problem that has to be tackled.

Instead of debating if the test should be mandatory or not, why don’t Americans compare the US Health Care system to other countries like Portugal. They would be amazed by what a comparatively poorer country can do. For starters we have a Universal Health care system. I know a lot of Americans that can’t afford a Health Insurance in the US and come to Portugal for treatment. I guess it’s more important to waist Billions on military expenditures to save the “free world” from terrorism. Good luck!