THE STIGMATIZATION OF AIDS IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN IN THE UNITED-STATES

Many studies examining AIDS issues have detailed the policy implications of negative attitudes toward homosexuals, intravenous (IV) drug users, and the inner-city poor; however, none have specifically examined whether existing biases and prejudicial fears expressed toward HIV-infected adults also affect political responses to infants and children with AIDS. In this research, a survey was conducted among lobbyists to determine whether such prejudicial attitudes exist in the national policymaking arena when pediatric AIDS issues are considered. The data supports the hypothesis that policymakers legislate based on a prevailing moral code when considering AIDS treatment and education policies for children. Conversely, the moral codes appear to be absent from legislative considerations of other children's issues.