In 2001 a disappointing decision by the United States Court of Appeals in Boston upheld a US District Court’s ruling that a Leominster, MA obstetrician did not violate disability anti-discrimination laws when he refused to continue care for a pregnant woman after she tested HIV-positive. The Court made its ruling despite both GLAD and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health presenting compelling evidence that there was no medical justification for Dr. Chie’s termination of Ms. Lesley’s care simply on the basis of her HIV-positive status.

Cabe señalar que la decisión se aplica a un tipo importante, pero limitado, de demanda por discriminación. No altera las protecciones legales básicas para las personas con VIH, ni se aplica a casos con escenarios fácticos muy diferentes a los señalados por la Corte en su decisión.