Criminalization of HIV transmission and exposure: Research and policy agenda

Z. Lazzarini, C.L. Galletly, E. Mykhalovskiy, D. Harsono, E. O'Keefe, M. Singer and R.J. Levine

American Journal of Public Health, 2013, vol. 103, issue 8, 1350-1353

Abstract: More than half of US jurisdictions have laws criminalizing knowing exposure to or transmission of HIV, yet little evidence supports these laws' effectiveness in reducing HIV incidence. These laws may undermine prevention efforts outlined in the US National HIV/AIDS Strategy, in which the United States has invested substantial federal funds. Future research should include studies of (1) the impact of US HIV exposure laws on public health systems and practices; (2) enforcement of these laws, including arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and sentencing; (3) alternatives to HIV exposure laws; and (4) direct and opportunity costs of enforcement. Policy efforts to mitigate potential negative impacts of these laws could include developing prosecutorial guidelines, modernized statutes, and model public health policies and protocols. © 2013 American Journal of Public Health.

Keywords: article; criminal law; disease transmission; health care policy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; legal aspect; public health; United States, Criminal Law; Health Policy; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Public Health; United States (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301267_0

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301267

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