The Winnipeg Free Press (Sunday, May 5th) carried an article written by the senior policy analyst for the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network calling for amendments to the blood testing bill currently before the Manitoba Legislature. Bill 18, The Testing of Bodily Fluids and Disclosure Act, would permit a blood testing order to be served upon a source individual in the event emergency personnel, Good Samaritans or victims of crime are exposed to another person's bodily fluids. The author of this article (Bill provides an illusory peace of mind) suggests the proposed legislation invades rights and privacy while providing no real benefit to those requesting the blood testing.
In making her argument against the Bill, Alison Symington makes reference to misinformation cited by emergency workers who have been exposed to bodily fluids, suggesting that education about the real dangers associated with blood borne pathogens is of greater importance than the option to request blood testing. Her remarks stem from comments made by media and the UFFW in support of this type of legislation, first suggesting that tuberclulosis would fit into the realm of diseases for which blood tests would be sought, and secondly for citing comments about exposed workers being unable to hug their children for fear of further disease transmission .
Legislation of this form pushes the balance between the individual who has been exposed and the source person from whom blood testing will be sought. While undoubtedly emotions run high following a potential exposure to blood borne disease sources, the importance of relating accurate and factual information when arguing in favor of blood testing cannot be overemphasized. The swiftness with which those in opposition to this legislation point to inaccurate statements and expectations can have damaging results to public and political support for this bill.
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