Girl Awaits Tests For A.i.d.s. (Press, 11 April 1986)
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Summary: Girl Awaits Tests For A.i.d.s. (Press, 11 April 1986)
On 11 April 1986, a three-year-old girl named Eve van Grafhorst, suspected of having the A.I.D.S. virus, is currently in Hastings, New Zealand, with her mother, Gloria, while they await the results of blood tests at Auckland Hospital. The family had previously travelled from Australia, having been informed that initial tests indicated Eve no longer had the virus. However, New South Wales health authorities later revealed that these tests were from a batch that had produced faulty results, leading Mrs van Grafhorst to lose faith in the Australian testing procedures. Eve's situation first became public knowledge in July of the previous year. Since then, the family has endured significant pressure from their community in Kincumber, New South Wales, where Eve has been barred from attending preschool classes. Neighbourly hostility has been prevalent, with some residents erecting high fences to keep her away and prohibiting their children from playing with her. Despite this, Gloria describes Eve as "a healthy, very active girl," suggesting that her physical condition contradicts the negativity surrounding her diagnosis. Eve was born three months premature, and during her early life, one of the blood transfusions received was contaminated with the A.I.D.S. virus. The situation regarding her test results remains uncertain; while New South Wales authorities indicated some tests were faulty, a letter received later claimed that Eve's test was valid and that she no longer had the virus. Gloria expressed a desire for clarity regarding the Auckland test results, stating that she would feel relieved to know the outcome "one way or the other." Gloria also highlighted that Eve has a unique perspective on life and could impart valuable lessons to others. She noted the marked difference in the reaction of New Zealanders towards Eve compared to the treatment received in Australia. The family has taken steps to address the discrimination faced by Eve by lodging a complaint with the New South Wales anti-discrimination board due to her exclusion from preschool classes.
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