Yale University

Criminalization of HIV Transmission and Exposure: Research and Policy Agenda.

TitleCriminalization of HIV Transmission and Exposure: Research and Policy Agenda.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsLazzarini, Zita, Carol L. Galletly, Eric Mykhalovskiy, Dini Harsono, Elaine O'Keefe, Merrill Singer, and Robert J. Levine
JournalAmerican journal of public health
Date Published2013 Jun 13
ISSN1541-0048
AbstractMore 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. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print June 13, 2013: e1-e4. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301267).
DOI10.2105/AJPH.2013.301267
Alternate JournalAm J Public Health

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