AIDS Discrimination

* I was very pleased to see your Oct. 5 article about the Department of Justice’s suit against certain dentists who refuse to provide such treatment to patients with HIV or AIDS. However, there have been other such lawsuits, including two local cases. The Western Law Center for Disability Rights and Tuttle & Taylor, along with other nonprofit legal organizations, recently settled a case against Western Dental in Los Angeles for denying treatment to people with HIV.

The center also has a case involving a client with HIV who was denied medical treatment at an urgent care facility in Ventura. The cases, and the Justice Department’s recent suit, should set precedent that will allow people with HIV and AIDS increased access to the medical and dental care they desperately need.

SANDE BUHAI POND

Executive Director

Western Law Center for Disability Rights

Los Angeles