An Open Letter on HIV Decriminalization and Solidarity, CHLP, PWN, SERO (2026)

In this open letter, CHLP, Positive Women’s Network-USA, and the Sero Project examine Pennsylvania Senate Bill 45 through the interconnected principles of HIV decriminalization, meaningful involvement of PLHIV, and solidarity with sex workers and trafficking survivors. Drawing on years of work with state HIV decriminalization coalitions, the organizations call for legislative advocacy rooted in principled solidarity, nuanced analysis of power, and the Meaningful Involvement of People Living with HIV (MIPA)—particularly people from communities most affected by HIV, policing, surveillance, and incarceration.

The letter celebrates SB45’s elimination of a discriminatory felony sentence enhancement for sex workers living with HIV, while explaining why the legislation cannot be characterized as an unqualified HIV decriminalization victory. The organizations raise concerns that the law now conflates consensual sex work with human trafficking, expands prosecutorial authority, and increases penalties that could further criminalize sex workers, trafficking survivors, and their support networks. The letter ultimately calls for greater transparency and accountability in coalition decision-making and urges HIV advocates to ensure that progress for one community is not achieved by expanding surveillance, policing, and state violence against another.

The authors credit Samara Sevush, Founder, Director & Healing Justice Practitioner at At The Center, for thought partnership, guidance, and edits. At The Center builds power with criminalized survivors of gender-based violence and sex workers to dismantle the sexual abuse-to-prison pipeline and disrupt intergenerational cycles of violence.