[lettie]

I totally agree with pre immigration testing, and also think that all non-british entrants to the country should have health insurance to cover the cost of their care for however long they are here for. We all have to pay for our care abroad, so why not the other way round.
I think the pre immigration testing is to do with ethics, bearing in mind that some people would not want to know if they were positive or not. Also, groups and societies formed to educate and reduce stigma regarding HIV and AIDS have probably had a hand in any decision our soft touch government have made regarding the issue. If the numbers of HIV positive people continue to rise (which they will do) then I think eventually the gov. will have no choice but to impose compulsory testing on immigrants, probably due to public demand, but how many people would agree to compulsory testing for everyone? because all the do gooders out there would be up in arms (distibuting pamphlets) How many people on this site would volunteer to take a test? If you have a positive result, who do you tell? Would you be eligable for a mortgage? life insurance? How would you feel if your son/daughter told you they were positive? Could you and your family cope with the stigma?
A lot of food for though in this issue isn't there? I am glad to hear your opinions, as it will help me in my studies. Any volunteers to write this assignment for me would be gratefully welcome..