DEAR ABBY: "Hurt and Mad in Okemos, Mich." asked you about taking legal action against a former boyfriend who had given her a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Her gynecologist had told her that the STD could cause cancer. You advised her to see an attorney.
Here's another piece of advice: She and her ex-boyfriend should have their heads examined! Twenty years into the AIDS pandemic, people engaging in unprotected sex with someone whose sexual history and health status they do not know as well as their own risk far more than an infection that might lead to cancer. And yes, that applies equally to those who engage in "serial monogamy" (being faithful to a series of partners, one at a time).
Although "Hurt and Mad" did not say whether she and her ex had engaged in sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs, too many people still do. Abby, PLEASE remind your readers that this practice increases risks for unplanned and unprotected sex, unwanted pregnancy, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and other STDs. -- RODGER L. BEATTY, Ph.D., PRESIDENT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LESBIAN AND GAY ADDICTION PROFESSIONALS
DEAR DR. BEATTY: You're right. You put it short and sweet, and that's why I'm printing your letter.