AIDS, Activism, and the Politics of Health

Abstract

THE trends toward empowering patients and questioning scientific expertise antedated the epidemic of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). As early as the late 1960s, observers noted an increase in the involvement of patients and their advocates in health care organization, provision, financing, and research.^{1 , 2} Moreover, despite their traditional public emphasis on charitable activities, large health organizations like the American Cancer Society have long traditions of political advocacy.³ Nevertheless, the entry of AIDS activists into the health care scene has added a jarring new dimension to what was previously a genteel dialogue between patient advocates and clinicians, researchers, and policy makers. . . .