Criminalization of HIV Transmission and Exposure: Research and Policy Agenda

• DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301267
• Publication Date: 2013-06-13T19:59:17Z
• Authors: Zita Lazzarini; Carol L. Galletly; Eric Mykhalovskiy; Dini Harsono; Elaine O’Keefe; Merrill Singer; Robert J. Levine
• Keywords: Criminalization

More than half of US jurisdictions have laws criminalizing knowing exposure to or transmission HIV, yet little evidence supports these laws’ effectiveness in reducing HIV incidence. These may undermine prevention efforts outlined the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which United States has invested substantial federal funds. Future research should include studies (1) impact on public health systems and practices; (2) enforcement laws, including arrests, prosecutions, convictions, sentencing; (3) alternatives laws; (4) direct opportunity costs enforcement. Policy mitigate potential negative impacts could developing prosecutorial guidelines, modernized statutes, model policies protocols.