HIV criminalization laws DON’T work as intended.

Not a single study or peer-reviewed paper asserts HIV criminalization has actually reduced HIV transmission in any jurisdiction where it exists.  

HIV criminalization laws DO work against public health.

• They punish those who protect their health by being tested for HIV, and privilege those who remain ignorant of their HIV status.  

• They create mistrust of health professionals, making people who test HIV positive less likely to cooperate with partner notification, treatment adherence and other forms of prevention.  

HIV criminalization laws DON’T align with current science.

The risk of HIV transmission has changed drastically since the beginning of the epidemic.

• Today, a person on effective HIV treatment (which means having an undetectable viral load) is incapable of transmitting HIV.  

• Currently, medications are available to be taken that can dramatically reduce a person's chances of transmission of HIV.

The harm of HIV acquisition has also changed dramatically.

A person newly diagnosed and provided with treatment can expect to live a lifespan basically equal to a person who is not living with HIV.

HIV criminalization laws DO increase stigma & discrimination.

Experts agree that HIV stigma is among the biggest obstacles to ending the HIV epidemic.

• Laws criminalizing HIV status exacerbate the already overwhelming social stigma that accompanies an HIV diagnosis. 

• Forced disclosure of one’s HIV-positive status carries significant risks -- including potential intimate partner violence, loss of housing or custody of one’s children, and other forms of discrimination.

• These laws most strongly affect communities that are already disenfranchised, who comprise a disproportionate portion of people living with HIV.