New Mexico Conference of Churches

Public Policy Position on AIDS

Background

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the major public health issue in the U.S. today. There are no cures, no vaccines, and few effective medical treatments for the infections which make up the syndrome. AIDS is the end stage of infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which depresses the body's immune system and leaves it vulnerable to many opportunistic infections. The various forms and stages of HIV diseases are proving extremely costly in our society - in the price of medical and social services, in the funds needed for research and in the hidden cost of lost productivity as young persons fall ill and die, plus the devastating psychological cost to all those individuals, their families and friends whose lives are torn apart by the disease.

AIDS and HIV have raised profound moral and social questions about substance abuse, and sexual behavior, and the way society deals with issues of stigma, prejudice and irrational fear.

Thanks to its particular demographics and early initiatives by government and community agencies, AIDS rates in New Mexico lag far behind national averages. Even so, there may well be 10,000 cases in New Mexico in the next ten years. No responsible individual can ignore the challenge of this disease to our society. Private conscience and public policy must combine to meet the challenge in the most effective and humane ways possible.

Persons of faith and the gathered religious community have been and will continue to be involved in education, advocacy and provision of pastoral care with those affected by AIDS and HIV infection. This broad base of participation will become increasingly important as the demands on government, medical and social services escalate over the next several years. The New Mexico Conference of Churches sees several pressing issues and needs and advocates the public policy positions outlined below.

Current Pressing Issues And Needs

  • Persons with AIDS and HIV infection are heavily stigmatized and ostracized by society, leading to isolation, secrecy and inability to make use of potential support systems. Prejudice and irrational fear of the disease have led to eviction from housing, termination from employment and inability to obtain insurance. There is a pressing need for widespread public education to help change attitudes and allay fear and for legislation to prohibit discrimination on the basis of HIV infection or AIDS.
  • Persons with AIDS and HIV infection live in fluctuating states of wellness to profound illness which threaten self-esteem and economic and psychological self-sufficiency. Flexible systems of care and support are required to accommodate changing needs. Provision must be made for management of medical care and access to social service benefits with minimum confusion and delay because of the rapid progress of the disease in its later stages.
  • Because no cure and few effective treatments are available, prevention is the strongest weapon against the disease. It is also the most cost-effective. Specific programs of education for those in risk-behavior groups must be staffed and funded. Since IV needle users present the fastest growing risk group, drug treatment programs must be expanded and early drug prevention education instituted in schools.
  • AIDS and HIV infections are found in all ages, all socio-economic, and ethnic groups and all over the state. Programs for education, prevention and care must be sensitive to the very different needs of women, children, family groups and gay men. Such programs need to be adapted to the many cultures in our state to increase their effectiveness. Spiritual needs must be addressed as an integral part of these programs.

Policy Position

The New Mexico Conference of Churches recognizes the need for widespread public education, prevention programs and provision of services to those affected by HIV infection. The NMCC cannot condone acts of violence, discrimination or injustice towards such persons. The Conference therefore supports the following:

  • Legislative action to protect the dignity and civil rights of persons with, or suspected of having HIV infection/AIDS in the areas of employment, housing, health care and education.
  • Public funding of education and prevention programs aimed at the general public and most especially at members of high risk behavior groups. Such programs should address the needs of specific cultural groups within New Mexico.
  • Continuation of free, anonymous HIV testing and counseling about the meaning of test results at convenient sites throughout the state.
  • Provision of free or sliding scale medical care, medications, case management and emotional support services in all parts of the state, and expedient processing of paperwork for social services.
  • Expansion of drug treatment facilities to eliminate waiting lists, and an increase in early drug prevention education.