[Goanet] Re: HIV test to be made mandatory for marriage
-- | Read V.M. de Malar's latest Column: | || | Politics of Destruction | || | http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=416 | -- On Thu Mar 23 07:47:12 PST 2006 Elisabeth Carvalho wrote: > However, I don't think an AIDS test is a deterrent to post- > marital sex. These men will visit prostitutes after they get > married and will infect their wives. That much we can be sure > off. RESPONSE: A tad-bit presumptious but I understand "These men" is a reference to "Goan motorcycle pilots" that were earlier referenced by Gilbert. You don't appear to see any merit in the Government's requirement to encourage couples to take a pre-marital HIV test. These same couples may have indulged in pre-marital sex with each other and/or several partners and in doing so may already be HIV+. If HIV+ people are treated at government-run hospitals like the GMC, it's the average Goan who has to pay for the treatment via their taxes. If the relationship results in children, who are in turn HIV+ - that becomes a social problem now. There is an NGO in Goa that looks after such kids. The name fails me now. Maybe Tony Barros can help me out. Why do priests send prospective brides and grooms to marriage counselling courses ? Would that be seen as an invasion of privacy too? Why do some employers ensure their newly-hired employees go through a thorough medical exam ?? Who bears the cost of treatment when employees fall ill? What about the cost of absence from work ? Why do Goans and others go thru a battery of tests before getting that visa stamped on their passport to the desert kingdoms of the Gulf ?? Again, those governments do not want to bear the cost of treating an individual who is HIV+ or has (had) TB at some time. Read about the plight of this Indian: http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=138806&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29003 Yes, people in the pathology biz will make a quick buck and probably some at the marriage registrar offices too. Yes, education is the best means to handle the HIV epidemic. Is success tangible in a society like India where literacy levels vary and HIV infections are exploding to epidemic levels. Living in Toronto in 2003 when SARS broke out, people of all stripes were scared. Even the ArchBishop sent out an order that the faithful should not exchange the sign of peace during Mass, mind you after sitting/standing for 45 mins next to the same person. Didn't make sense then, does not make sense now. Best - Bosco T-dot, CA --- March 24 - World Tuberculosis Day - The bigger killer http://www.dailyindia.com/show/11302.php/Tuberculosis_hampering_countrys_economy(March_24_is_World_Tuberculosis_Day)
Re: [Goanet] Re: HIV test to be made mandatory for marriage
However, I don't think an AIDS test is a deterrent to post-marital sex. These men will visit prostitutes after they get married and will infect their wives. That much we can be sure off. AIDS is more a lifestyle disease and unless we inform people to change lifestyles, use condoms and practice safe sex, we won't be successful in preventing its spread. --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > You may have read the post (I think by Gabriel) > about Russian women (Russian mafia-prostitutes) > bringing HIV to Goa. The blondes spread it to the > local population with the help of the Goan > motorcycle pilots - perhaps in exchange for a free > lift.:=)) > > Also there was a post about the spread of HIV in > Goa's medical facilities by reusing syringes, > catheters and unsafe blood. > India has the largest number of HIV positive cases > in the world - see Bill Clinton's work and Bill > Gates work on this front in India. > > A pre-marital compulsory HIV test may be a deterrent > to pre-marital sex. And in today's world, any real > or imaginary deterrence can be helpful. > Regards, GL > > Beverley de Sequeira: > I do agree with Ms Carvalho that making the HIV Test > mandatory is an invasion of one's privacy.. But > however, one has seriously consider that in doing > so, numerous innocent lives will be spared the > anguish unfairly inficted upon them in unwittingly > contracting the disease from a infected spouse.. > Have personally , in the course of practise, had a > few patients who contracted the disease, > unsuspectingly from their spouses.. she breast -fed > her child, and it was only later that both mother > and child tested positive for the HIV virus > Social stigma followed and she is now homeless > having been thrown out by her in-laws. > Despite medical advances and now the free > availibility of ART, there is still a lack of a > complete cure for AIDS.. Better safe than sorry , > right ?? > > jc: > Well said Lawrence! (Rodrigues) > Wonder too how mant Goa Doctors who own these > pathology labs will go along with this. > > Lawrence Rodrigues: > "We have decided to amend the Goa Public Health Act > making HIV test mandatory before registration of > marriage," State Health Minister Dayanand Narvekar > told reporters after the cabinet meeting. > If amendment comes through, Goa would be the first > state in the country to have mandatory HIV test > before marriage, Narvekar added. > > Some more nonsense from our Goan politicians!!! > > __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: [Goanet] Re: HIV test to be made mandatory for marriage
Gilbert, Australia demands an HIV test for those that come to Australia for a long term visit or immigration. I wonder, given the explosion in the spread of HIV, if India could request an HIV certificate from reputed local hospitals from where visas are issued? Though impractical for short-term visitors, any extensions of the visa period should be accompanied by the results of tests for HIV. Just a thought ... Gabriel de Figueiredo. --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > You may have read the post (I think by Gabriel) > about Russian women (Russian mafia-prostitutes) > bringing HIV to Goa. The blondes spread it to the > local population with the help of the Goan > motorcycle pilots - perhaps in exchange for a free > lift.:=)) On Yahoo!7 Messenger - Make free PC-to-PC calls to your friends overseas. http://au.messenger.yahoo.com
[Goanet] Re: HIV test to be made mandatory for marriage
I totally agree with Elizabeth Carvalho's message on the topic " Re: HIV test to be made mandatory for marriage.." The government does not have the right to legislate on a personal decision between two individuals. If either of the two parties (in arranged marriages) has any doubt then they can request the other individual to present the report of an HIV test as a condtion of the contract being undertaken. If we allow the Government to enter into the private lives of indiviuals with this proposed legislation .. will there be any way of stemming the invasion? marie d'souza
[Goanet] Re: HIV test to be made mandatory for marriage
You may have read the post (I think by Gabriel) about Russian women (Russian mafia-prostitutes) bringing HIV to Goa. The blondes spread it to the local population with the help of the Goan motorcycle pilots - perhaps in exchange for a free lift.:=)) Also there was a post about the spread of HIV in Goa's medical facilities by reusing syringes, catheters and unsafe blood. India has the largest number of HIV positive cases in the world - see Bill Clinton's work and Bill Gates work on this front in India. A pre-marital compulsory HIV test may be a deterrent to pre-marital sex. And in today's world, any real or imaginary deterrence can be helpful. Regards, GL Beverley de Sequeira: I do agree with Ms Carvalho that making the HIV Test mandatory is an invasion of one's privacy.. But however, one has seriously consider that in doing so, numerous innocent lives will be spared the anguish unfairly inficted upon them in unwittingly contracting the disease from a infected spouse.. Have personally , in the course of practise, had a few patients who contracted the disease, unsuspectingly from their spouses.. she breast -fed her child, and it was only later that both mother and child tested positive for the HIV virus Social stigma followed and she is now homeless having been thrown out by her in-laws. Despite medical advances and now the free availibility of ART, there is still a lack of a complete cure for AIDS.. Better safe than sorry , right ?? jc: Well said Lawrence! (Rodrigues) Wonder too how mant Goa Doctors who own these pathology labs will go along with this. Lawrence Rodrigues: "We have decided to amend the Goa Public Health Act making HIV test mandatory before registration of marriage," State Health Minister Dayanand Narvekar told reporters after the cabinet meeting. If amendment comes through, Goa would be the first state in the country to have mandatory HIV test before marriage, Narvekar added. Some more nonsense from our Goan politicians!!!
Re: [Goanet] Re: HIV test to be made mandatory for marriage registrationin Goa
- Original Message - From: "Elisabeth Carvalho" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At first thought, this feels like a logical step in the prevention of AIDS ... But no matter how you dice it, it is in the end an invasion of personal privacy. . Elisabeth, You are so right. It would appear that the Goa Government has not made a decision of the issue and discussions will take place. The Goa Government does have the unfortunate tendency of announcing topics for discussion as decisions. An excellent article on the compulsory HIV testing appeared very recently in the Gulf News and it makes compulsive reading: HEADLINE: Goans Say HIV Check-Up Before Marriage Should be Voluntary BY: Randolph Barros, Staff Reporter SOURCE: Gulf News (Dubai). March 18, 2006 Full text: Dubai: The western Indian state of Goa yesterday planned to make the HIV test mandatory for the registration of marriage. Dayanand Narvekar, the state health minister, said the government was planning to amend the Goa Public Health Act in this regard. The minister said the amendment would be thrown open for public debate which would include NGOs (non governmental organisations) and individuals in the coming months and put before the state legislative assembly during its session in July. Narvekar said there should be a national debate on issues like morality and privacy before giving final shape to the amendment. If the amendment comes through, Goa will be the first state in India to have a mandatory test for HIV before marriage. Goans who are known for their broad-minded approach to life were very touchy on the planned amendment, especially about the fact that tests would be mandatory. On the other hand, they said the move would help put the brakes on the spread of the disease. Fr Simplicio D'Souza, a lecturer at the Rachol Seminary in south Goa, said, "The government cannot force an HIV test on people planning to get married. Confidentiality is paramount. I welcome the move as regards public health and safety of the spouse." Fr D'Souza added that the government should keep the social values and outlook of citizens in mind before embarking on such an amendment. "The social stigma associated with HIV/Aids patients is huge in our state. We are a small state and everyone knows everyone. What happens if the news leaks? Who will take care of the person who has been tested positive? The repercussions must be taken into account." A medical officer at a government hospital in the commercial capital Margao said HIV tests at present were purely voluntary. Dr Oween Albuquerque said the hospital had counselling cells to help people who wanted to be tested. Doctors, he said, could only inform the patient if he or she tested positive. If a person volunteered, they would undergo pre-test and post-test counselling. Saba da Silva, senior lecturer at the G.R. Kare College of Law in Goa, said confidentiality should not be compromised. "No one should be forced to take a test. Yes, tests will help public health and help curb the spread of this global killer disease." Da Silva said views of NGOs are very important. "They deal with the ground realities of HIV/Aids on a daily basis." He also said the two-month period for debate was very short. "At least six months would be ideal." Fr D'Souza shared the same views. "It will be a disaster if the state government rushes through with this amendment," he said. Goan expatriates in Dubai expressed mixed feelings. Natasha Travasso, an airlines employee who is getting married in June, said the test should be purely voluntary. "People sometimes marry knowing fully well that their partner has got a disease, should the government intervene?" Ashley Rodrigues, a musician, welcomed the move. He said many Goans live abroad. "They go back home to get married and the spouse-to-be has no idea of his or her lifestyle. Testing would help save lives." Rodrigues said confidentiality was very important. In a small community like Goa, once it leaks that the person is a HIV carrier, he or she will become an outcast, he said. An office manager, Cheryl D'Sa said she completely agreed with the tests. "I have heard of cases where girls have been married to HIV positive men who did not inform their spouse about the disease. Their lives have been wasted. This amendment should have taken place earlier." = Forwarded by Eddie Fernandes
[Goanet] Re: HIV test to be made mandatory for marriage
Elisabeth, You raise some interesting points (and welcome to the list!). I believe that there are at least two distinct issues here: 1. Government intrusion--a slippery slope indeed, as you point out. 2. The rights of an uninfected partner in a case where one partner has HIV/AIDS. The second issue is the more serious micro level concern, and this is where I think the government has chosen to help, rather than intrude. Your comparison between AIDS and Hepatitis is an unfair analogy--hepatitis doesn't bring with it the death sentence that AIDS does. A marriage might not occur if one partner discovers that the other has AIDS. At the end of the day, why should one partner's privacy rights trump the other's right to know that a future life partner carries a deadly infectious disease? Will the government be doing right by its citizens if it can prevent a single case of AIDS and chooses to turn a blind eye to it? Peter D'Souza - From: Elisabeth Carvalho <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Goanet] Re: HIV test to be made mandatory for marriage registrationin Goa « But no matter how you dice it, it is in the end an invasion of personal privacy. It's a slippery slope to what the government can legislate in our personal lives. Ultimately however, we have to answer the question, will this pretesting for AIDS prevent AIDS or its spread?»
[Goanet] Re: HIV test to be made mandatory for marriage registration in Goa
At first thought, this feels like a logical step in the prevention of AIDS. Afterall, in a country where the majority of the population is illiterate, and more than half the marriages are brokered between parents who have little to no knowledge about the grooms or brides' sexual history, perhaps this would enlighten respective parties. But no matter how you dice it, it is in the end an invasion of personal privacy. It's a slippery slope to what the government can legislate in our personal lives. Will we also have to at some point, get a Hepatitis C test, or perhaps even an Avian Flu test or how about a mental competency assessment? Marriage is a personal decision between two individuals and the government does not have the right to legislate any aspect of it. Ultimately however, we have to answer the question, will this pretesting for AIDS prevent AIDS or its spread? That afterall is the aim of us giving up our rights for the "greater goods". Well, this is as counter-productive as banning ultrasounds determining gender inorder to prevent foeticide. Because in a country like India, where anything can be bought for a price, people determined to know the gender found a way to bribe ultrasound technicians to reveal the gender to them. Foeticide remains as high as ever in India. In a similar vien, all that this legislation will do, is make a few laboratory peons a little richer. I am always surprised that only in India can we find a way to band-aid the problem rather than go to the source and try to heal it. The right way to tackle AIDS is to spread awareness about it; how it is spread, how its spread can be prevented and how it can treated, to a limited extent, if contracted. Making people give up their fundamental rights to privacy is not the answer. Gabe Menezes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=64528 HIV test to be made mandatory for marriage registration in Goa
[Goanet] Re: HIV test to be made mandatory for marriage registrationin Goa
Cricket ani other maters famado Xri Dainanda Narvencar stated : be the first state in the country to have mandatory HIV test before marriage> "Lawrence Rodrigues" noted : < Some more nonsense from our Goan politicians!!! Wonder how many politicians (or their kith & kin) are associated with pathology/HIV testing labs.> jc: Well said Lawrence! Wonder too how mant Goa Doctors who own these pathology labs will go along with this. jc _ Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee® Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
