SCOPE:

Since the first AIDS cases were reported in 1981, through mid-1995, more than 476,000 AIDS cases and more than 295,000 deaths have been reported in the United States alone. This is only the tip of the iceberg of HIV infection, however. It is estimated that nearly 1 million Americans have been infected with the virus through the mid-1990s but have not yet developed clinical symptoms. Hopes of finding a "magic bullet" to stop AIDS have gradually faded over the years, as one promising drug after another has fallen short of the target. New insights into the murky realms of HIV biology and the human immune system may lead to more effective drugs or vaccines. Researchers' initial focus on finding a quick treatment is giving way to a growing consensus that they must learn more about how the virus works before they can find a cure. (Academic American Encyclopedia and CQ Researcher 2003) 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following sources will allow you to become more familiar with your topic, will give you ideas for narrowing your topic, and will serve as a starting point for your further research.

SPEECH TABLE ITEMS
CQ Researcher Issues 
    Famine in Africa 2002 p.935+
    Global Aids Crisis 2000 p.809+
    Children in Crisis 2001 p.657+    
    AIDS update 1998 p.1062+
 
AIDS: opposing viewpoints

AIDS /Foster, Carol, editor

REFERENCE ITEMS
Encyclopedia of Social Issues 
REF HN 57 .E59 

Health and Illness 
REF RC 41 .M34

The Merck Manual 
REF RM 127 .M53

Encyclopedia of Bioethics 
REF HM 30 .E52

Encyclopedia of Marriage and the Family 
 REF HQ 9 .E52

Human Sexuality--An Encyclopedia 
REF HQ 9 .H846

Encyclopedia of Social Work 
 REF HV 35 .S6

SUGGESTED TOPICS:

This topic is one which can be studied from a number of aspects and points of view. Some of these might be:

• Should the entire federal AIDS research program be restructured?

  Is Magic Johnson's book, What You Can Do to Avoid AIDS too graphic?

  Is there a link between the right-to-die movement and AIDS activism?

  Will the ouster of HIV positive troops endanger AIDS research?

  Is the Catholic Church's position on sex education, birth control and other issues involving AIDS unconscionable?

  Who should pay for new AIDS therapies?

  Are fear appeals in Public Service Announcements an effective message?

  Is animal testing in AIDS research acceptable?

  Have animal rights groups slowed down AIDS research?

  Is the FDA dragging its feet on drug approvals?

  Does American have compassion for AIDS victims?

  Are female condoms effective?

  Should condoms be sold in public schools?

  Is the U.S. blood supply safe?

  Is AIDS in prisons a serious problem?

  What affect does AIDS have on the health care system?

  Did Magic Johnson's disclosure that he was HIV positive lead to changed attitudes and behaviors in young people?

  Who should be responsible for AIDS research?

  Has the gay community dealt with the AIDS crisis responsibly?

  Should the military ban HIV positive military personnel?

  Should children with AIDS be allowed to attend public schools?

  Does personal responsibility play a central role in AIDS prevention?

  Is AIDS testing for employment purposes constitutional?

  Why is AIDS spreading so rapidly in Africa and what can/should the U.S. do to help?