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Ear to the Ground

New Jersey Considers Mandatory HIV Test

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Posted on May 11, 2007

A new proposal would make New Jersey the first state to require HIV testing for pregnant women and their babies, unless the women decline the test in writing. Currently four states test just mothers, and two others only newborns. The bill is opposed by the D.C.-based Center for Women Policy Studies on the grounds that it limits health rights.

AP via Yahoo!:

TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey would become the first state to require both pregnant women and newborns to be tested for
HIV under a proposal introduced by the Senate president.

The bill would require all pregnant women be tested for HIV twice, once early in the pregnancy and a second time in the third trimester. Every birthing facility in the state would have to test all newborns in their care.

Senate President Richard J. Codey introduced the legislation on Thursday, which he described as a “no brainer.” The Associated Press first reported on Codey’s plan in March.

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By 911truthdotorg, May 12, 2007 at 9:34 am #

Hmmmm...I wonder if they gave NJ Gov Corzine an involuntary HIV test when he was in the hospital after his car accident?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Google videos: 9/11 Press for Truth, Loose Change 2nd Edition

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By Inherit The Wind, May 12, 2007 at 4:35 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

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.

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By Michael Silva, May 12, 2007 at 4:02 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

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!

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