Published August, 2008

Criminalization of HIV Transmission, Policy Brief, UNAIDS (2008)

In response to a recent increase in HIV criminalization cases both in the United States and abroad, UNAIDS issued this policy brief to arm advocates with information and arguments against these discriminatory laws and practices. The policy brief discusses why HIV-specific criminalization laws do not achieve their intended goals, and how these laws actually cause more harm. A focus on the unique plight of women and girls living with HIV helps contextualize these criminalization laws in a way that makes their harmful effects more evident. The brief concludes with recommendations for governments and other advocates to develop more meaningful and effective responses to instances of HIV exposure.