One issue centers on how to inform the public of the real dangers without inducing irrational fears or a backlash of repression. The medical-scientific community is virtually unanimous on the need for a massive, media education and public health campaign. Some campaigns have experienced opposition because of their sexual explicitness. In addition, educational programs for young people have been criticized if the focus is on preventing transmission through means other than sexual abstinence, despite the high rate of sexual activity among adolescents. Ethical, medical, and legal dilemmas also surround the issue of AIDS antibody testing, particularly in the areas of mandatory versus voluntary testing and confidentiality of test results. While most States offer voluntary, anonymous testing, some require that tests be done and reported by name. A related issue is that of tracing contacts and notifying sexual partners of seropositive individuals and the use of sanctions against seropositives who knowingly engage in behaviors with a high risk of transmission of infection. Because drug addicts and prostitutes are viewed as the main potential source for heterosexual transmission, efforts have been made to educate them and to encourage behavior change. These groups are difficult to reach, and moral antipathy against them makes it unlikely that they will receive the intensive attention they need. 3 tables, 1 figure, 33 notes, and 7 suggested readings.