The United States has come under intense criticism over its AIDS policies because of its insistence on abstinence as a first line of defense against HIV, both in the U.S. and worldwide. But activists and doctors say abstinence is not effective in this day and age when 5 million new people worldwide are infected each year, and oftentimes, women and girls don't have the option to abstain from sex.

What do you think of the United States' abstinence policy? Is the government's insistence on abstinence undermining the fight against HIV/AIDS?

The infamous Dr. Kevorkian, also known as "Dr. Death," was released from jail last week after serving eight years. Ironically, his parole comes just one week before the California Assembly is set to vote on the California Compassionate Choices Act - a measure to allow terminally-ill patients to die, with the assistance from a physician-prescribed medication.

Although Kevorkian's assisted-suicide actions prompted heated debates across the nation, not much transpired legally, during his time in prison. To date, Oregon remains the only state with a law in which terminally-ill patients can ask a doctor to prescribe a lethal amount of medication under certain circumstances.

A recent poll shows 68 percent of Americans say there are circumstances where a patient should be allowed to die, while 30 percent say in all circumstances, doctors and nurses should do all they can to save the life of the patient.

What do you think? Is it unethical for a doctor to actively help a terminally-ill patient end their life? Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?

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A national discussion has sparked over whether presidential hopeful John Edwards, and his wife Elizabeth, have made the right decision to forge ahead in their second bid for the White House, despite Elizabeth's recurrence of incurable stage 4 breast cancer -- this time in her bones. In an interview with 60 Minutes, correspondent Katie Couric asked the couple about some of their choices involved, including whether Edwards can run for president while caring for his wife and family at the same time, and if Edwards could be president without being distracted by his wife's illness. Both of the Edwards stated they are optimistic about their future, and they will stick with their plans to campaign vigorously for the democratic presidential nomination.

What do you think? Do you agree with John Edwards' decision to stay in the race for president?

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Texas has become the first state to require girls to be vaccinated against the human papilloma virus, also known as HPV -- a sexually transmitted disease known to cause cervical cancer. The requirement follows a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that girls be vaccinated -- starting at age 12. Scientists estimate that 80 percent or more of Americans contract the virus by age 50, and nearly 4,000 women die from cervical cancer each year. Now, 20 states, including California, have proposed legislation to require girls to be vaccinated against HPV.

NPR's Talk of the Nation held an open discussion with medical professionals and call-ins about the vaccine controversy. Some parents object to the vaccine because they fear it will encourage early sexuality; others say their kids are already exposed to enough vaccines as it is.

What do you think? Is this an imposition on parents' rights, or is it a good public health policy?

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In his State of the Union speech Tuesday night, President Bush addressed troop increases in Iraq as well as domestic issues like health care, immigration and alternative energy.

What did you think of the speech? Will an increase in troops stabilize Iraq? What did you think about his focus on domestic issues?

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