Christine Maggiore's book of the same, which she published last year, (and was featured in W.i.g., Volume I, Issue IV), has now sold more than 8,000 copies. Her book and support network, HEAL--Health Education AIDS Liaison--challenges the belief the public has about AIDS--mainly that HIV tests are flawed, that AIDS is not sexually transmitted, and that most HIV-related drug therapy does more harm than good. Founded in 1982 as an information source on alternative AIDS therapies, HEAL has grown into an international movement.

Unfortunately for Christine, her life has still more challenges ahead. You see, she once tested positive for HIV, then negative, then positive, then negative. Now, she's pregnant, which she says, "defies conventional HIV wisdom and daring to exercise my rights as a human begin to have offspring." No prenatal facility would take Christine in. "After a month of humiliating and disappointing experiences, " says Christine, "I found and open-minded midwife. Plus, anyone could report me to the health department as an 'unfit' mother for not taking AZT [which Christine feels is unhealthy]."The risk for Christine and many mothers in similar situation across the country that deny taking AZT or other anti-HIV medication is that the state can take their kids away at birth to give them AZT against mothers' orders. For Christine, if that happens, at least she's got the support of CNN (among others) who said they'd follow up on anybody harassing her. For more information on HEAL or to get a copy of Christine's book, check out: www.epcnet.com/heal; 11684 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604; 24-hour hotline: (213) 896-8260.--K.G.

illustration: mark reusch