Diary Prequel Package — page 125

Senator Arlen Specter Senator Patrick Leahy September 1, 2005 Third, he endorsed the scientific idea that "we should assume AIDS can be transmitte through casual or routine contact, as is true with many viruses." He stated that the assumptic that AIDS can be transmitted through casual contact could be overcome only when "it is demonstrated that it cannot be." At the same press conference, the President provided technical information to the put on the impact of tax reform and trade policy. But Mr. Roberts apparently did not object to tl use of these data on the ground that the President was not an expert. Mr. Roberts provided no scientific support for his assumption that AIDS can be transmitted through casual contact. Moreover, his standard for dislodging that assumption w require scientists to conclude otherwise with absolute certainty, a standard that is not applied elsewhere in medicine or public health. Sadly, President Reagan followed Mr. Roberts's advice. At the news conference on September 17, 1985, the President was asked about the issue of AIDS in schools. Instead of affirming the conclusions reached by the nation's top scientists, the President undermined th The President stated that he was glad not to be faced with the decision of whether or not to s a child to school with a child who had AIDS. He added: I can understand the problem of the parents. It is true that some medical sources hav said that this cannot be communicated in any way other than the ones we already knc and which would not involve a child being in the school. And yet, medicine has not come forth unequivocally and said, "This we know for a fact, that it is safe." And un they do, I think we just have to do the best we can with this problem. I can understan both sides of it.'° The President's failure to support the science on AIDS transmission exacerbated fear prejudice, and discrimination against children with AIDS. After the press conference, one pediatrician told the Los Angeles Times that he expected parents to "quote the President and 'Gee, even the President doesn't come out and support the medical experts -- how can he ex us to send our children to school?'" The expert added, "Given the current information and th circumstances, he could have been much more definite.""! Questions for Mr. Roberts It is important for the Senate and the public to understand Judge Roberts's role in thi deplorable chapter in the history of public health in the United States. Judge Roberts should " Id. '© Close to Home, Washington Post (Sept. 22, 1985).