JEWISH BIOMEDICAL ETHICS AND CARE OF THE AIDS PATIENT

Jewish biomedical ethics form part of the broader Judeo-Christian ethi cal system that prescribes appropriate social conduct for most America ns. They are based on law (halachah) that is derived from the Hebrew B ible and its interpretations. The principle on which they center is th at every person is sanctified by God and therefore of infinite value. Therefore, every effort must be made to preserve and protect human lif e. The management of the patient with AIDS engenders many problems of an ethical nature. An appreciation of the Judaic solutions to these pr oblems may assist physicians caring for patients with AIDS in making t heir management decisions.