Washington OK'd for Needle-Exchange Programs
Washington, D.C., reports having the highest rate of AIDS infection of any major U.S. city. President Bush signs legislation that allows Washington to use local tax money to fund needle-exchange programs. Congress, when it was under the control of the Republicans, prohibited Washington from funding such programs for almost a decade. Washington health officials say the ban contributed to city's high rate of HIV and AIDS infections.
A new law is passed in New Jersey that makes HIV testing a standard component of prenatal care. The bill requires pregnant women to be tested, unless they refuse. A newborn whose mother's HIV status is positive or unknown would also be tested. The law is designed to help stem the infection of new babies. It makes New Jersey one of several states to require some form of prenatal testing.
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