HIV is a virus, not a crime: ten reasons against criminal statutes and criminal prosecutions

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Cameron Edwin, Burris Scott, Clayton Michaela

Criminal laws and prosecutions related to HIV transmission are ineffective and counterproductive to public health.

Criminalization of HIV transmission does not prevent the spread of the virus and instead exacerbates stigma and discrimination.

Criminalization does not prevent the majority of HIV transmissions, which occur during consensual sex.
Criminal laws distract from effective public health measures like prevention and treatment.
Women are disproportionately affected by HIV criminalization laws, leading to increased vulnerability.
Criminalization places blame solely on individuals with HIV, ignoring shared responsibility in sexual encounters.
Poorly drafted laws create confusion and fear, deterring individuals from seeking testing and treatment.
Stigma surrounding HIV is exacerbated by criminalization, making it harder for people to seek help.
Criminalization is often enforced selectively, targeting marginalized groups unfairly.
Human rights-based approaches to HIV prevention are more effective than punitive measures.

Making laws against people with HIV doesn't help stop the virus; it just makes things worse for everyone, especially women.

The publication may reflect biases against criminalization based on the authors' perspectives and experiences.

The arguments presented are based on anecdotal evidence and legal analysis rather than empirical data.

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