criminalization of HIV transmission

The case of an Iowa man sentenced to the maximum allowed by state law for failing to disclose to a one-time intimate partner that he was HIV-positive has been cited as evidence of the need to reevaluate state criminal transmission laws.

Criminalization of HIV transmission and exposure places blame on one sexual partner rather than encouraging equal responsibility in safe sex.

While criminalizing HIV transmission is appealing to some governments, it actually undermines public health goals and violates the rights of people living with HIV.