Legal Document

524 U.S. 624118 S.Ct. 2196141 L.Ed.2d 540 Randon BRAGDON, Petitioner,v.Sidney ABBOTT et al. No. 97-156. Supreme Court of the United States Argued March 30, 1998. Decided June 25, 1998 Syllabus * Respondent is infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but had not manifested its most serious symptoms when incidents in question occurred. At that time, she went to petitioner's office for a dental examination and disclosed her HIV infection. Petitioner discovered cavity informed respondent his policy against filling cavities HIV-infected patients office. He offered perform work at hospital no extra charge, though would have pay use hospital's facilities. She declined filed suit under, inter alia, Americans Disabilities Act 1990(ADA), which prohibits discrimination any individual "on basis disability . enjoyment services place public accommodation by person who operates [such] place,'' 42 U.S.C. §12182(a), qualifies prohibition providing: "Nothing [herein] shall require an entity permit participate or benefit from accommodations such where poses direct threat health safety others,'' §12182(b)(3). The District granted summary judgment. First Circuit affirmed, agreeing lower court respondent's was under ADA even infection yet progressed symptomatic stage, treating posed others. In making latter ruling, relied on 1993 Dentistry Guidelines Centers Disease Control Prevention (CDC) 1991 American Dental Association Policy HIV. Held: 1.Even so-called phase, it "disability'' §12102(2)(A), is, "a physical impairment substantially limits one more [an individual's] major life activities.'' Pp. ____-____. (a) definition drawn almost verbatim definitions applicable §504 Rehabilitation 1973 another federal statute. Because expressly provides "nothing be construed apply lesser standard than regulations issued pursuant [it],'' §12201(a), this must construe grant least as much protection implementing Act. (b) From moment throughout every stage disease, satisfies statutory regulatory "physical impairment.'' Applicable define mental impairment'' mean "any physiological disorder condition affecting body['s] hemic lymphatic [systems].'' falls well within definition. medical literature reveals disease follows predictable unalterable course inevitable death. It causes immediate abnormalities person's blood, white cell count continues drop during intermediate attack concentrated lymph nodes. Thus, regarded immediate, constant, detrimental effect systems. (c) activity upon relies, ability reproduce bear children, constitutes "major activity'' ADA. plain meaning word "major'' denotes comparative importance suggests touchstone activity's significance. Reproduction sexual dynamics surrounding are central process itself. Petitioner's claim Congress intended only cover those aspects public, economic, daily character founders language. Nothing activities without dimension may somehow so unimportant insignificant "major.'' This interpretation confirmed regulations, provide illustrative, nonexhaustive list activities. Inclusion caring one's self, performing manual tasks, working, learning belies suggestion task economic character. On contrary, support inclusion reproduction, could less important working learning. (d) Respondent's "substantially limits'' ADA's meaning. Although little guidance regard, Court's evaluation evidence demonstrates woman's limited two independent ways: If tries conceive child, (1) imposes male partner statistically significant risk becoming infected; (2) risks infecting child gestation childbirth, i.e., perinatal transmission. Evidence suggesting antiretroviral therapy can transmission about 8%, if relevant, does avail petitioner because cannot said matter law 8% transmitting dread fatal represent substantial limitation reproduction. decision carries legal consequences well. There added costs therapy, supplemental insurance, long-term care examined treated. Some state laws, moreover, forbid persons having sex others, regardless consent. context reviewing judgment, take true unchallenged testimony controlled child. (e) uniform body administrative judicial precedent interpreting similar language confirms holding. Every agency consider issue has found coverage asymptomatic uniformity significant. When interpretations settled existing provision, repetition same new statute indicates, general matter, Congress' intent incorporate See, e.g., Lorillard v. Pons, 434 575, 580-581, 98 866, 869-870, 55 40. (f) holding further reinforced Justice Department other agencies authorized administer ADA, supports conclusion fall disability. views charged entitled deference. See Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 467 837, 844, 104 2778, 2782-2783, 81 694. 2.In affirming did cite sufficient material record determine, law, §12182(b)(3), stems School Bd. Nassau Cty. Arline, 480 273, 287, 107 1123, 1130-1131, 94 307, reconciled competing interests prohibiting preventing spread construing hiring communicating infectious id., n. 16, S.Ct., 16. existence determined standpoint professional refuses treatment accommodation, assessment based objective, scientific available him profession, simply good-faith belief existed. 288, 1131; 18, 1131 distinguished. For part, followed proper conducted thorough review evidence. However, might mistakenly CDC Guidelines, recommend certain universal precautions combat environment, do actually assess level risk, HIV, organization, authority, reveal extent Association's dentists' ethical duties, rather assessments. Other affirmance trial court's there reasons doubt whether advanced raise triable fact significance constrained briefs arguments directed entire record. A remand will full exploration issues through adversary process. F.3d 934, vacated remanded. KENNEDY, J., delivered opinion Court, STEVENS, SOUTER, GINSBURG, BREYER, JJ., joined. concurring opinion, opinion. REHNQUIST, C. judgment part dissenting SCALIA THOMAS, joined, Part II O'CONNOR, part. John W. McCarthy, Bangor, ME, petitioner. Bennett H. Klein, respondent. Lawrence G. Wallace, Washington, DC, amicus curiae special leave Court. KENNEDY 1 We address case application Stat. 327, §12101 seq., (HIV). certiorari review, first, phase; and, second, Appeals, cited dentist. 2 Sidney Abbott been since 1986. we recite occurred, symptoms. September 1994, Bragdon Maine, appointment. patient registration form. completed examination, cavity, patients. fee services, responsible cost using declined. 3 sued §302 355, §12182, alleging claims before us. Section 302 provides: 4 "No discriminated equal goods, facilities, privileges, advantages, accommodation.'' §12182(a). 5 term "public accommodation'' defined include "professional provider.'' §12181(7)(F). 6 later subsection mandate discriminate. 7 subchapter advantages others.'' 8 Maine Human Rights Commission intervened plaintiffs. After discovery, parties cross-motions ruled favor plaintiffs, satisfied 912 F.Supp. 580, 585-587 (D.Me.1995). held raised genuine others treatment. Id., 587-591. affidavits submitted Dr. Donald Wayne Marianos, Director Division Oral Health (CDC). Marianos asserted safe dentists treat offices dentist described Recommended Infection-Control Practices (1993 Guidelines). F.Supp., 589. 9 Appeals affirmed. stage. 939-943 (C.A.1 1997). also agreed 943-948. Unlike however, rely affidavits. 946, 7. Instead AIDS, Infection Practice Dentistry, promulgated (1991 HIV). F.3d, 945-946. 10 first ruling constituted defines as: 11 " (A) individual; 12 (B) impairment; 13 (C) being §12102(2). 14 hold definitional section light conclusion, need applicability subsections (C). 15 Our consideration proceeds three steps. First, impairment. Second, identify relies (reproduction bearing) determine Third, tying phrases together, ask activity. statute, parallel previous statutes various faced interpretive question. 16 "handicapped individual'' included 1973, 29 §706(8)(B) (1988 ed.), "handicap'' contained Fair Housing Amendments 1988, §3602(h)(1) ed.). well-established implication accordance pre-existing interpretations. FDIC Philadelphia Gear Corp., 476 426, 437-438, 106 1931, 1937-1938, 90 428 (1986); Commissioner Estate Noel, 380 678, 681-682, 85 1238, 1240-1241, 159 (1965); ICC Parker, 326 60, 65, 65 1490, 1492-1493, 89 L.Ed. 2051 (1945). case, suggest construction; adopted specific provision directing follows: 17 "Except otherwise provided chapter, nothing chapter standards applied title V (29 §790 seq.) Federal title.'' §12201(a). 18 directive requires us Act.PCS1 19 step inquiry Health, Education Welfare (HEW) 1977. particular because, HEW coordinating implementation enforcement §504. Consolidated Rail Corporation Darrone, 465 624, 634, 1248, 1254-1255, 79 568, (1984) (citing Exec. Order 11914, CFR §117 (1976-1980 Comp.)). appear change current Services, mean: 20 condition, cosmetic disfigurement, anatomical loss following systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; sense organs; respiratory, including speech cardiovascular; reproductive, digestive, genito-urinary; lymphatic; skin; endocrine; 21 psychological disorder, retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional illness, disabilities.'' 45 §84.3(j)(2)(i) (1997). 22 issuing these decided disorders constituting impairments, out concern enumeration comprehensive. Fed.Reg. 22685 (1977), reprinted pt. 84, App. A, p. 334 commentary accompanying contains representative conditions "such diseases orthopedic, visual, speech, hearing cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart diabetes, drug addiction alcoholism.'' Ibid. 23 1980, President transferred responsibility Attorney General. 12250, §298 (1981). Department, remain force day, quoted above. 28 §41.31(b)(1) addition, originally relegated were incorporated into text regulations. 24 identified cause AIDS until 1983. Barre-Sinoussi al., Isolation T-Lymphotropic Retrovirus Patient Risk Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), 220 Science 868 (1983); Gallo Frequent Detection Cytopathic Retroviruses (HTLV-III) Patients 224 500 (1984); Levy Lymphocytopathic San Francisco 225 840 (1984). set forth however. 25 today, course. Once invades different cells blood tissues. Certain cells, known helper T-lymphocytes CD4 particularly vulnerable attaches receptor site target fuses membrane cell's membrane. retrovirus, means uses enzyme convert own genetic form indistinguishable cell. virus' migrates nucleus becomes integrated chromosomes. integrated, machinery replicate Additional copies released infect turn. Young, Replication Cycle HIV-1, Knowledge Base, pp. 3.1-2 3.1-7 (P. Cohen, M. Sande, & P. Volberding eds., 2d ed.1994) (hereinafter Base); Folks Hart, Life Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1, AIDS: Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment 29-39 (V. DeVita 4th ed.1997) Etiology); Greene, Molecular Insights HIV-1 Infection, Medical Management 18-24 (M. Sande 5th AIDS). produce antibodies infection, effective eliminating virus. Pantaleo Immunopathogenesis Etiology 79; Garner, Vaccine Development, Base 3.6-5; Haynes, Responses 91. 26 eventually kills host play critical role body's immune response system, decline their number corresponding deterioration fight infections many sources. Tracking individual's CD4a accurate measures disease. 19, 24. Osmond, Classification Staging Disease, 1.1-8; Saag, Clinical Spectrum Diseases, 204. 27 initial acute primary typical lasts months. concentrates blood. assault system immediate. victim suffers sudden cells. latency period. Mononucleosis-like often emerge between six days weeks after times accompanied fever, headache, enlargement nodes (lymphadenopathy), muscle pain (myalgia), rash, lethargy, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders. Usually abate days. bloodstream weeks; circulating detected weeks. Carr Cooper, Primary 89-91; Cohen Volberding, 4.1-7; Crowe McGrath, Acute 4.2-1 4.2-4; 204-205. associated subside, enters what referred sometimes phase. misnomer, some respects, clinical features persist throughout, lymphadenopathy, dermatological oral lesions, bacterial infections. varies each individual, instances years. now tends concentrate nodes, low levels continue 4.1-4, 4.1-8; 205-206; Strapans Feinberg, History 38. once thought became inactive period, relative lack attributable migration circulatory 4.1-4. reduces viral presence parts body, diminution manifestations virus, thrives which, vital point represents ideal environment 33-34. Studies shown production high rate. 4.1-4; average 5% 10% (40 80 cells/mm3) per year 207. drops below 200 cells/mm3 comprise 14% total lymphocytes. Dept. Public Service, CDC, Revised System Expanded Surveillance Case Definition Among Adolescents Adults, 41 Morbidity Mortality Weekly Rep., RR-17 (Dec. 1992); 1.1-2; 207; Ward, Petersen, Jaffe, Current Trends Epidemiology HIV/AIDS, 3. During pneumocystis carninii pneumonia, Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, tend appear. systemic present all stages weight loss, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, worsen. cases, patient's cells/mm3, death soon follows. 4.1-9; 207-209. 30 immediacy begins damage severity As noted earlier, facts, constant systems disease.PCS2 31 operative, satisfied, unless affects placed children. 14; 586, 939. Given pervasive, invariably fatal, sorts relevant our inquiry. amici make HIV's profound impact phase life. Brief 24-27; Amicus Curiae 20; Infectious Diseases Society America Amici 7-11. submissions, seem legalistic circumscribe discussion brought they maintained limitations 32 outset, treated reproduction practice decide cases grounds considered certiorari. Blessing Freestone, 520 329, 340, 3, 117 1353, 1359, 137 569 (1997) Rule 14.1(a)); Capitol Square Review Advisory Pinette, 515 753, 760, 115 2440, 2445-2446, 132 650 (1995). ask, then, 33 difficulty concluding is. held, [t]he "major' importance'' "suggest[s] determining rubric significance.'' 939, 940. phrase activity.'' 34 While concedes he 14, 28, 31; see 36-37 Krauel Iowa Methodist Center, 95 674, 677 (C.A.8 1996)). argument outside breadth confounds attempt limit construction manner. 35 noted, consistent implement Rather enunciating principle activity, instead list, defining "functions walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working.'' §84.3(j)(2)(ii) (1997); §41.31(b)(2) as'' confirms, exhaustive. 36 These contrary self tasks order purposes advances credible confining aspect. absence reason reach agree Appeals' determination ADA.PCS3 37 final element asserts. additional guidance. 38 leads conclude ways. woman man infected. cumulative results studies collected 1994 textbook indicates 20% partners women HIV-positive themselves, majority finding Osmond Padian, Sexual Transmission 1.9-8, tbl. 2; Haverkos Battjes, Female-to-Male 268 JAMA 1855, 1856, (1992) (cumulative indicated 25% female-to-male transmission). (Studies report similar, severe, male-to-female 1.9-3, 1.9-6 1.9-7.) 39 face 942, 587, 6. Published reports confirm accuracy statistic. Report Consensus Workshop, Maternal Factors Involved Mother-to-Child J. Syndromes 1019, 1020 (collecting placing 40%, falling 30% range); Connor Reduction Maternal-Infant Zidovudine Treatment, 331 New Eng. Med. 1173, 1176 (1994) (placing 25.5%); (studies 13% 45% approximately 25%). 40 points 8%. 53; Connor, supra, (8.3%); Sperling Viral Load, Mother Infant, 335 1621, 1622 (1996) (7.6%). Solicitor General questions relevance figure, pointing requiring substantiality assessed regard mitigating measures. 36, B, 611 1630, App., 351 (1997)). resolve dispute addresses activities, utter inabilities. Conception childbirth impossible but, doubt, dangerous health. meets limitation. tragic think, laws States, Code §§139.1, 139.31 Md. Ann. §18-601.1(a) (1994); Mont.Code §§50-18-101, 50-18-112 Utah §26-6-3.5(3) (Supp.1997); §26-6-5 (1995); Wash. Rev.Code §9A.36.011(1)(b) (Supp.1998); N.D. Cent.Code §12.1-20-17 end, turn personal choice. result impairment, met difficulties insurmountable. statistical cited, course, insurmountable here. Testimony unchallenged. 942. true. Fed. Civ. Proc. 56(e). impedes coverage. it. view holding, second presented, se B 43 enactment Responsibility administering delegated single agency, pause inquire withhold deference 694 enough observe well-reasoned "constitute experience courts litigants properly resort guidance.'' Skidmore Swift Co., 323 134, 139-140, 161, 164, 124 (1944). 44 One comprehensive 1988 Office Legal Counsel (OLC) "protects individuals covered program.'' Application 504 HIV-Infected Individuals, Op. Off. 264, 264-265 (Sept. 27, 1988) (preliminary print) (footnote omitted). Relying letter Surgeon Everett Koop stating that, "from purely perspective, clearly impaired'' OLC "physiological systems.'' 271 (internal quotation marks imposed Opinion said: "Based knowledge us, believe reasonable procreation individual. transmitted baby pregnancy, cannot, female, engage act normal expectation bringing healthy child.'' 273. 46 engaging relations threatened probably contagiousness virus.'' 274. Either render handicap Opinion, considered, rejected, contention discounted voluntary limitation, reasoned, infection's manifest effect. 274, 13. Without exception, problem reached result. Contract Compliance Manual 6D, FEP 405:352 23, 1988); re David Ritter, 03890089, 1989 WL 609697, *10 (EEOC, Dec. 8, 1989); Comptroller General's Task Force Workplace, Coping GAO Workplace: 1987); Presidential Epidemic 113-114, 122-123 (June 1988). Agencies adhered §1636.103 §15e.103 (1998); §1701.103 §9.103 §1200.103 §§2301.103, 2490.103 Westchester County [1991-1994 Transfer Binder] CCH Employment Guide ¶5340, 6110-6112 (Apr. 20, 1992), aff'd, ¶5362, 6249-6250 (Dept. Servs. Departmental Bd., Sept. Rosebud Sioux Tribe, 93-504-1, 603015 July 1994); T. Martin, 01954089, 1997 151524, *4 Mar. 47 addressed enacted 1990, concluded Act's handicap. Doe Garrett, 903 F.2d 1455, 1457 (C.A.11 1990), cert. denied, 499 904, 111 1102, 113 213 (1991); Ray Dist. DeSoto County, 666 1524, 1536 (M.D.Fla.1987); Thomas Atascadero Unified Dist., 662 376, 381 (C.D.Cal.1986); Community Board Ed. York, 130 Misc.2d 398, 413-415, 502 N.Y.S.2d 325, 335-337 (Sup.Ct.1986); cf. Baxter Belleville, 720 720, 729 (S.D.Ill.1989) (Fair Act); Cain Hyatt, 734 671, 679 (E.D.Pa.1990) (Pennsylvania Relations Act). (For distinguishing Martinez ex rel. Hillsborough Cty., Florida, 861 1502, 1506 Chalk Ct., 701, 706 (C.A.9 Dolton Elementary 148, 440, 444-445 (N.D.Ill.1988); Robertson Granite City Unit 9, 684 1002, 1006-1007 (S.D.Ill.1988); Local 1812, AFGE State, 50, 54 (D.D.C Relatives Friends Regulations Permits Admin., 740 95, 103 (D.Puerto Rico 1990) Act).) aware instance prior 48 Had done copy action indicate should unwavering line interpretation. All indications position taken enacting give active endorsement. H.R.Rep. 101-485, 2, 52 (1990) (endorsing analysis Opinion); (same); S.Rep. 101-116, 21, (1989) (same). 1988. §3602(h)(1). find Urban Development (HUD) 3232, 3245 (codified §100.201 (1997)); Willie L. Williams, 2A P-H Housing-Fair Lending ¶25,007, 25,111-25,113 (HUD Admin. Law Judges, 22, 1991) (adhering interpretation); Elroy R. Dorothy Burns Trust, ¶25,073, 25,678 17, 1994) Again legislative ratify HUD's reiterated 50; 27; 4, 36; 21. 49 (1978). today faithful way congressional design. C 50 provisions Title III §12186(b), technical assistance explaining responsibilities institutions, §12206(c), enforce court, §12188(b), Department's Chevron, U.S., 2782-2783. 51 analysis. acknowledge given §36.103(a) 608, 609. developed §36.104. further, "HIV (symptomatic asymptomatic)'' §36.104(1)(iii). §12206 similarly concludes Justice, Civil Division, Act: Technical Assistance (Nov.1993); Response Congressman Sonny Callahan, Nat. Disability Rep. (LRP) ¶360, 1167 (Feb. A. Laurence Field, ¶21, 10, 1993). Any contradict affirmative ratification versions 609, 610 HUD regulations); 56 7455, 7456 (1991) (same) (notice proposed rulemaking). draw sections §12116 (authorizing EEOC I); §12134(a) II, subtitle A); §§12149, 12164, 12186 Secretary Transportation transportation-related Titles III); §12206(c) offer administer). agencies, too, §35.104(1)(iii) §§37.3, 38.3 13858 (Nov. 1993); EEOC, Provisions (Title I) II-3 (Jan.1992) Manual); Interpretive §902.2(d), 902-13 902-14 (reissued 1995) Manual), BNA 902:0013 (1998). Most categorical EEOC's "an (including infection) disability.'' §902.4(c)(1), 902-21; accord, 902-14, 18. view, "impairments inherently limiting.'' 350 II-4; 902-21. 53 authorities petition presented review. stated: "3.When deciding private provider invasive procedures office, defer provider's long then-current knowledge? "4.What performance pose others? 57 "5.Did petitioner, Bragdon, D. D., warranted others?'' Pet. Cert. i. 58 Of these, three. phrased awkward way, conflates separate inquiries. asking appropriate assumes objective facts reasonable. premise assumption merit consideration. 59 Again, begin Notwithstanding disability, refused "pose[d] eliminated modification policies, practices, auxiliary aids services.'' Parallel employment I. §§12111(3), 12113(b). 60 recognition 307 (1987), disabilities while protecting risks, resulting, instance, contagious objectives 1131, amended §706(8)(D) (excluding "would constitute individuals''); §3604(f)(9) 626 (ADA's codifies Arline). few, any, free, Arline exists, 16; 61 existence, nonexistence, §36.208(c) 626. professional, duty information profession. His existed, good faith, relieve liability. To words receives professional. reserved "the judgments physicians employer relied.'' most, statement possibility employers consult third-party experts. physician's mind excuse reasonableness actions. 62 professionals deferring answer implicit actions assessing actions, authorities, National Institutes authority. 1130-1131; organizations conclusive, disagrees prevailing consensus refute citing deviating accepted norm. Keeton, Dobbs, Owen, Prosser Keeton Torts §32, 187 (5th ed.1984). 63 reviewed necessary illustrate rule case. evaluating Its rejection reliance correct evaluated available, show published time 64 illustration refusal hospital. 943, 4. testified believed hospitals measures, air filtration, ultraviolet lights, respirators, reduce 151. made showing, area safeguards privileges. 31. expert admitted 209. failed showing safer efficient well-equipped concerned, mistaken existed point, definitive. recommended CDC's "should environment.'' RR-18, (May [w]hile guidelines explicitly risk-reduction desirable routine safe, conclusions guidelines' detailed delineation patients.'' 946. necessarily contain assumptions conclusive decided. recommendation best They risk. 66 Nor certain, record, attributed community's people offices. indicates: 67 "Current epidemiologic control routinely followed. safely employed. Such both personnel.'' 225. 68 note, although respected source clear duties addition refers. Efforts clarify obligations encourage compassion commendable, likelihood, responsibility. manner formulated Policy, unable Policy's value law. 69 materials cross motions required establish fact. merely colorable significantly probative sufficient. Anderson Liberty Lobby, 477 242, 249-250, 2505, 2510-2511, 91 202 (1986). 70 subject ruling. numerous experts indicating 66-68, 88-90, 264-266, 268. import evidence, disclose turned 1994. 69-70 (expert 1994). 71 principal points: high-speed drills surface cooling water created airborne study inconclusive, [f]urther exists.'' Johnson Robinson, Virus-1 (HIV-1) Vapors Surgical Power Instruments, Virology 47, (1991). witness conceded, suggested spray transmit positive data. 166. Scientific traceable, analytical Electric Co. Joiner, 522 ----, 118 512, 518, 519, 139 508 72 argues seven workers possible occupational HIV/AIDS Report, vol. 6, no. 15, (Mid-year ed. exposed employment, resulted. ascertain contracted themselves testing exposure. Gooch Percutaneous Exposures Blood Workers Enrolled Needlestick Study, 126 Assn. 1237, 1239 not, some, albeit sufficient, position. Standing alone, meet 73 accepting five, asked trial. result, sufficiency submissions proceeding. "When attention focused issues, comes expressed controlling question, deal merits Court.'' Dandridge 397 471, 476, 1153, 1157, 491 (1970). where, here, briefing help complex factual perspective. Resolution just precision comprehensiveness decision. 74 opportunity neither nor remanding foreclose earlier. 75 vacated, remanded proceedings 76 ordered. 77 whom BREYER joins, concurring. 78 easily statute's "disability.'' Moreover, persuaded me I sustained burden adducing careful extensive record; perfectly reasoning KENNEDY's Court; itself explains data inconclusive speculative best, ante, __-__. Cf. five Justices either THE CHIEF JUSTICE. am agreement supported majority, join prefer outright affirmance. Screws 325 91, 1031, 1051, 1495 (1945) (Rutledge, result). description documents, __-__, limiting 20. inevitably pervades life's choices: education, family financial undertakings. shows, obtain reaction No rational legislator, seems apparent, nondiscrimination become visible present, visible. therefore met. activities,'' perceived, §§12102(2)(A),(C), afflicted relations, potential, herself, 82 agree, "importance [of issue] workers,'' __, wise remand, erring, all, side caution. By taking ensures fully Abbott's [petitioner Bragdon] [could not] '' 83 Chief THOMAS join, O'CONNOR joins 84 Is respondent-who tested (HIV) suffered discriminatory treatment-a 1990(ADA)? include: 86 87 88 note individualized clearer point: 12102(2) states "with respect individual.'' Were sufficiently clear, goes activities'' allegedly "of §12102(3)(A). nature disposed Thus disputed resolved contends status brings "disability.''1 demonstrate, physically mentally impaired (3) assume proceed third requirements According next "whether Ante, __. That, half mentioned above, §12102(2)(A). truncates perhaps shred reproduction2 (assuming all). status, respondent, whatever inclination, conclusively 14. absolutely absent considering Indeed, deposition carry functions, answered "No.'' telling brief studiously avoids asserting her. particularized circumstances 30-31. 92 But aside wrong Unfortunately, reference §12201(a); correctly recognizes "is exhaustive,'' then makes demonstrate "caring working'' are. 93 Instead, "central itself.'' reading, focuses ""major''' ""comparative importance,''' ibid.; Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 702 (10th ("greater dignity, rank, importance, interest''), ignoring alternative "greater quantity, number, extent,'' ibid. illustrative deny reproductive decisions marry, live, how earn living. Fundamental sort common thread linking listed repetitively performed essential day-to-day normally functioning thus quite series leading birth Both 24, curiae, 13, argue system. §36.104 argue, roster impairments. wrong. dysmenorrhea endometriosis, painful walking working. And, obviously, cancer organs 96 leaves still entirely able intercourse, pregnant, rear maturity. 53-54. choose language, logic, proposition choices "limit'' 97 responds "addresses inabilities.'' fail assists cause. Apart utterly process, explained parent unlikely live nurture adulthood.'' 22. alleged "limits'' (present tense) Asymptomatic presently argument, logical extreme, marker debilitating "disabled'' here future effects. 99 my therefore, 100 issue, nonetheless "direct threat.'' affirmed granting issue. vacates portion decision, remands presumably "determine risk.'' sure understand cryptic direction court. 101 [D]irect threat'' "significant aides consists parts. precautionary techniques heath Whether depends on: 102 ""(a) (how transmitted), duration carrier infectious), (what potential harm parties) probabilities varying degrees harm.''' (1987). Even practitioner procedures'' (in precautions) "eliminat[e]'' accommodation,'' refusing made. disagree [i]n authority.'' Those are, presumption validity challenged disputes committed adjudication litigation originating courts, credence endorsed politically appointed authority (such General). sort, credentials scientists employed soundness studies, stand own. cites courts' truth-finding function, except findings regarding contagion Act, "courts officials.'' appended dictum footnote, very urging "official'' over "private'' judgment: "This address, 105 Applying principles avoid identifying workers. providing treatment, "risk,'' certainty (""the transmitted''' factor risk). "severity risk'' involved near death, outlined protocol likely objectively safety. documented healthcare professionals. 106. dismissed irrelevant dentists. 947 valid transmissions Maine. minimum, create accordingly appropriate. 108 JUSTICE proven giving lives women, generally persons-"caring working''-listed 1990. Based intimate relationships activities; impose 109 JUSTICE's threat. Accordingly, syllabus prepared Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Timber Lumber 321, 337, 282, 499. alternatively urges disabled "regarded such. §12102(2)(C). advance below, Trans World Airlines, Thurston, 469 111, 119, 613, 620, 523 (1985); (1970), rarely below. it, we.FC21SIn event, prong plaintiff defendant (i.e., activity). assertion reproduce, opposed viewing impaired. Calling somewhat inartful. (as copier machine gremlin) never reproducing. referring discrete used term.

Classification Label: 1