Testing for AIDS

In response to “A Death Not in Vain,” editorial, Dec. 10:

Your editorial seeks to justify, and in fact praises, the refusal of the Centers for Disease Control to seek to have surgeons who are infected with the AIDS virus refrain from performing procedures that involve blood. You contend that the best way to prevent the spread of AIDS is to maintain strict sanitary procedures. I agree that strict sanitary procedures are of the utmost importance; however, it is inconceivable to me that you would voluntarily agree to be operated on by a person with the AIDS virus. If such procedures are important, can it be said that the knowledge of the patient as to the AID status of his doctor is not just as important?

Unfortunately it is true, human nature being what it is, that infected doctors, as well as dentists, will operate on innocent people. That situation could not occur if AIDS testing were made mandatory.

The Times is a prime advocate of the right of the people to know the truth. How can you now justify a position that says that I do not have the right to know if the doctor who is placing his hands in my body cavity has AIDS? This smacks of the arrogance of an elite that knows best what is good for the average citizen.

FRANK WAGNER

Playa del Rey