U.S. Pandemic preparedness: Health protection or civil liberties violation?
Friday, February 29, 2008
Add Comment
If there is a flu pandemic or other widespread outbreak of infectious disease in the United States, the federal government has plans ready to help contain the spread of disease and keep people safe.
The American Civil Liberties Union, however, says U.S. preparedness plans and laws rely too much on enforcement and security. In a January report, the group concludes that the U.S. plan of action might restrict people's civil liberties during a flu pandemic.
But some public health experts have another take. They say that while increased transparency, communication and community involvement in planning is still needed, such obstacles should not be reasons to abandon proven public health methods to stop the spread of disease.
APHA's Get Ready campaign recently invited experts on both sides of the issue to share their thoughts. Take a look at their commentaries, published online now and post your comments on the issue. What do you think? Is U.S. pandemic preparedness health protection — or civil liberties violation?
Read the guest commentaries now
The American Civil Liberties Union, however, says U.S. preparedness plans and laws rely too much on enforcement and security. In a January report, the group concludes that the U.S. plan of action might restrict people's civil liberties during a flu pandemic.
But some public health experts have another take. They say that while increased transparency, communication and community involvement in planning is still needed, such obstacles should not be reasons to abandon proven public health methods to stop the spread of disease.
APHA's Get Ready campaign recently invited experts on both sides of the issue to share their thoughts. Take a look at their commentaries, published online now and post your comments on the issue. What do you think? Is U.S. pandemic preparedness health protection — or civil liberties violation?
Read the guest commentaries now
0 Response to "U.S. Pandemic preparedness: Health protection or civil liberties violation?"
Post a Comment