The State : Doctors Shun AIDS Victims

A survey of physicians in the Sacramento area found that less than half are willing to treat people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or those who test positive for the AIDS virus. The survey, conducted by the Sacramento El Dorado Medical Society and commissioned by the Sacramento AIDS Hospital Consortium, is believed to be only the second of its kind among practicing physicians in the United States. Of the 636 doctors who responded, 46% said they would treat AIDS-infected sick and well patients. Another 35% said they would not, and 15% were undecided. The report did not account for the remaining 4%. “In spite of all the scientific knowledge we have regarding the transmission of AIDS, physicians in Sacramento are still remarkably fearful of contact with AIDS-infected people,” said Dr. Arthur McCausland, president of the medical society.