Frontline Season 12 Episode 6 AIDS, Blood and Politics

In season 12, episode 6 of Frontline titled "AIDS, Blood and Politics," viewers are taken on a journey through the early days of the AIDS epidemic in the United States. The episode highlights how a number of factors, including bureaucracy, political agendas, and human error, led to a public health crisis that ravaged the lives of thousands.

The episode begins by taking viewers back to 1981 when the first cases of AIDS were discovered in the US. At the time, little was known about the disease, and it was initially dubbed the "gay cancer." As the virus continued to spread, a number of blood donation centers began taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their blood supply. However, it soon became apparent that these measures were not enough.

The episode then shifts its focus to a group of people who became infected with the virus through tainted blood transfusions. They share their personal stories of how they were unknowingly given contaminated blood and the devastating impact the virus had on their lives. This segues into a look at the government's response (or lack thereof) to the crisis.

The episode highlights how federal agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), were slow to respond to the growing crisis. Additionally, political pressure and ties to the blood industry prevented key officials from taking decisive action to protect the public.

Interviews with key figures in the government and medical industry provide insight into the decision-making process during this tumultuous time. Viewers hear from Dr. Anthony Fauci, who was then a young scientist working at the National Institutes of Health and played a central role in the government's response. Other individuals, such as FDA commissioner Dr. Frank Young and blood industry executive Dr. John Walsh, share their perspectives on the crisis.

The episode also examines the impact of the crisis on marginalized groups, such as prisoners and hemophiliacs. The latter were particularly hard hit since they relied on blood transfusions to survive. Viewers hear from people who became infected with the virus through this means and their struggle for justice.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the episode is not all doom and gloom. It also showcases the resilience of those affected by the crisis and the power of collective action. The establishment of ACT UP, a grassroots organization that worked to raise awareness about the crisis and push for change, is highlighted.

Overall, "AIDS, Blood and Politics" is a gripping and informative episode of Frontline that sheds light on a difficult chapter in US history. It highlights the human toll of the crisis and examines the complex web of factors that allowed the epidemic to spiral out of control. At the same time, it serves as a reminder of the power of activism and the importance of public health initiatives.