Catherine Hanssens, CHLP Executive Director, Interviewed by POZ about Criminalization of HIV Exposure

Regan Hofmann, POZ editor-in-chief, recently sat down with Catherine Hanssens to discuss the criminalization of HIV exposure and the recent spate of prosecutions. When asked why there seem to be so many cases recently, Hanssens responded that the press coverage seems to have increased, especially for the cases that involve incredibly harsh sentences for behavior that is consensual and most often does not result in transmission. Hanssens went on to explain that the media coverage contributes to HIV-related stigma, which has been created and exacerbated by the existence and enforcement of these exposure laws. Much of the interview focused on the issue of disclosure by the HIV-positive partner in a sexual relationship, and under what circumstances disclosure may or may not be appropriate.

The bottom line is that people need to understand how HIV is and is not transmitted, and what they can do to protect themselves. Discussions about HIV need to be accurate, and it is important to separate the facts from the hype. According to Hanssens, "We do an awful lot to feed misunderstandings about HIV by being sloppy about the way we talk about things. We inadvertently perpetuate some of the stupidity that keeps stigma alive." Click here to see a transcript and video of the interview.

Hanssens has also written a blog on the topic of media coverage in response to a recent ABC News story about six women in Texas who tested positive for HIV after having unprotected sex with the same man. Click here to read the blog.

To get a sense of the frequency and type of prosecutions for HIV exposure in the United States over the last two years, take a look at the list of prosecutions CHLP has created.