1994-12-01Dr. Joycelyn Elders speaks at UN Conference on AIDS

Attending a UN Conference on AIDS, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders is asked whether more explicit discussion of masturbation as a way to reduce the spread of the HIV-virus might slow the epidemic. Masturbation is “a part of human sexuality” and “something that perhaps should be taught” she responded. Her answer set off a firestorm of criticism from Republicans, and led President Clinton to fire her as Surgeon General.