Discussion Thread: HIV Testing Policy for Prisons

HIV Testing Policy For Prisons Student’s name Department: University Course: Course Code Instructor’s name Date HIV Testing Policy For Prisons The issue of mandatory HIV testing in prisons has raised a lot of debate and controversy, with opponents and proponents of the idea putting forward valid reasons to justify their stands. The main issues surrounding these two factions revolve around the ethical relevance and the need for necessity in doing it. Looking at it , both sides have got valid reasons to stand their grounds, although there is that need to be more realistic when it comes to making the final choice between the two sides. If I were the prison administrator, the highly recommended program for voluntary HIV testing would be informed consent throughout incarceration. This approach falls within the best practices of public health and is biblical, holding human beings' dignity very high and considering their health a matter of responsible stewardship. Why Voluntary Testing? This is a point where the ethical problem of forced testing arrives. It can be perceived as something punitive and, in this meaning, may discourage them from testing, negatively impacting his health. The Bible only emphasizes compassion and care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) (NKJV 1970). Coerced testing contradicts that (Clark et al., 2022). Voluntary testing, accompanied by pre-and post-test counseling, is thorough enough to empower individuals to make informed health choices. It conforms to the Bible precepts that a person must be a steward over his body (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Voluntary testing is essential since it still safeguards the fundamental rights of the inmate and still projects...