HIV Criminalization
Dozens of states currently have HIV criminal laws that are based on long-outdated and inaccurate beliefs rather than current science. Such laws further perpetuate misperceptions about HIV risk and transmission, and they increase stigma against people living with HIV. By placing those who are aware of their HIV-positive status at increased risk of prosecution, HIV criminal laws contradict public health goals seeking to increase the number of people who know their HIV status. HIV criminal laws also keep some individuals from receiving HIV testing and engaging in care and treatment.
AIDS United supports the repeal of state laws that criminalize HIV and urges further efforts at the federal level to document the negative impact of such laws and advocate for their removal. Read the HIV Criminalization brief.