Christine Maggiore

Christine Maggiore was an AIDS and HIV skeptic who was diagnosed with HIV in 1992. She started the group Alive and Well AIDS Alternatives in that same year.

On December 27, 2008, Maggiore died in her home due to pneumonia.ABC News: Death of a Skeptic (January 1, 2009) Because she was under the care of a doctor, it remains up to the family whether an autopsy will be done. As of January 1, 2009, a decision on the autopsy had yet to be made.Los Angeles Times: Christine Maggiore, vocal skeptic of AIDS research, dies at 52 (December 30, 2008)

Maggiore believed that the HIV virus did not cause AIDS and refused all traditional medications that were available to her. She bore two children and breast-fed them both without taking AZT, a medication that researchers say stops the virus from transferring from mother to child while breastfeeding. After her 3-year-old daughter Eliza Jane died from what was ruled by the county coroner as AIDS-related pneumonia, she sued the county and protested the findings.Los Angeles Times: Christine Maggiore, vocal skeptic of AIDS research, dies at 52 (December 30, 2008)

Maggiore is said to have met with the then-president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, influencing him to block the funding of medications to pregnant South African women who were HIV positive.ABC News: Death of a Skeptic (January 1, 2009)

"Since testing positive, I've never taken any AIDS drugs, and since learning about natural healing, I purposely avoid pharmaceuticals in general. My husband and I keep our kids and selves healthy through careful nutrition."—Christine MaggioreAlive & Well: A Closer Look at HIV FAQ's About Your HIV Status Christine

"Christine was only part of this. There is an outstanding number of prominent rethinkers, independent thinkers, doctors, scientists and lawyers who question AIDS causation."—Brian Carter, peer group leader at Alive and WellLos Angeles Times: Christine Maggiore, vocal skeptic of AIDS research, dies at 52 (December 30, 2008)