Proposes principles to guide thinking about law and policy on criminal law and HIV, considers alternative to criminalization, and makes recommendations about appropriate use of criminal sanctions and coercive public health measures.
Criminalization of HIV transmission: poor public health policy
Analyses the surge in criminal prosecutions, discusses the role that stigma plays and makes the case against criminalisation.
The Case Against Criminalization of HIV Transmission
Argues that although criminal law has been invoked throughout the HIV epidemic, the public health community has neither favoured its use nor taken a vigorous stand against it. States criminal law cannot draw reasonable lines between criminal and noncriminal behaviour, or prevent HIV transmission. For women, it is a poor substitute for policies that go to the roots of subordination and gender-based violence.
Verdict on a Virus
Provides case studies and opinions from around the world, as well as resources and information to support legal advocacy and social mobilisation.
10 Reasons Why Criminalisation of HIV Exposure or Transmission Harms Women
Argues that applying criminal law to HIV exposure or transmission does nothing to address the epidemic of gender-based violence or the deep economic, social, and political inequalities that are at the root of women’s and girls’ disproportionate vulnerability to HIV.
Ten Reasons to Oppose the Criminalization of HIV Exposure or Transmission
Provides ten reasons why criminalizing HIV exposure or transmission is unjust and ineffective public policy. Argues criminalization is unlikely to prevent new infections or reduce women’s vulnerability to HIV. Instead, criminalisation may harm women and has a negative impact on public health and human rights.