What laws impact people living with HIV?
HIV is Not a Crime Day is on February 28. Below are some resources to understand how disclosure laws impact those living with HIV. Review the laws in your state, and feel free to come here to talk to others about their experiences.
Informational: Criminalization and HIV - https://h-i-v.net/?p=6282
"There are still more states with HIV criminalization laws than states without. The White House recognizes that these laws are outdated. The laws do not reflect the current science and research behind HIV. Our understanding of HIV shows that these laws do not help stop the transmission of HIV. "
Personal Story: Laws about Being HIV Positive by @davina https://h-i-v.net/?p=1085
"these are laws created to criminalize persons living with HIV who are accused of potentially transmitting HIV to another individual. There are also laws for non-disclosure of living with HIV before having sexual intercourse. A person living with HIV can be charged even when they do not pose a risk of transmitting HIV to another person."
Personal Video: Minutes with @Jah - https://h-i-v.net/video/hiv-is-not-a-crime
"Why do we still have HIV criminalization laws? This doesn't make any sense to me. Lawmakers need to match the science and the data. People living with HIV are not criminals; I'm here to discuss it."
More resources:
- HIV Legal and Policy Assessment Tool - https://www.seroproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hiv-criminalization-legal-and-policy-assessment-tool.pdf
What do you think? Do you have personal experience that could help someone else? Do you have questions about this topic? Comment below.
Alafia (Peace) Thank you for sharing these resources with our community. Many people who are newly diagnosed don't even know that there are laws which must be followed to keep them from being in the line of fire of HIV criminalization laws. I appreciate you. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member) Alafia (Peace) We have sone great work and several States to look to in the battle against HIV criminalization. Iowa comes to mind and I know there are others. So anyone looking to get into the work of decriminalization you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
