Reading list

Numerosos Jueces ilustres se reúnen para tratar el VIH, los derechos humanos y la legislación

Describe un encuentro de unos 30 jueces de los más altos tribunales nacionales de 16 países de la región de Asia y Pacífico. En la reunión se trató el papel del poder judicial en la respuesta al VIH. También se debatió sobre qué medidas específicas se pueden adoptar para crear un entorno jurídico y social más favorable para las personas con el VIH o están en situación de vulnerabilidad frente al mismo en la región.

Criminalisation of HIV Non-Disclosure, Exposure and Transmission: Scientific, Medical, Legal and Human Rights Issues

This paper was commissioned by the UNAIDS Secretariat to serve as a background paper for the Expert Meeting on Criminalisation of HIV Non-Disclosure, Exposure and Transmission, 31 August – 2 September 2011, Geneva, Switzerland. It synthesises general considerations concerning issues raised by the application of the criminal law to non-disclosure, exposure or transmission in relation to HIV Scientific, Medical, Legal and Human Rights Issues.

Position Statement on Harm Reduction

Acknowledges the harms caused by stigma and criminalisation. In particular, it acknowledges that the harms of criminalisation are borne disproportionally by Indigenous peoples in Canada. The Statement recognises that while people make their own health decisions, these decisions are only one factor influencing health outcomes.

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French/Français

Policing Transmission

A review of police handling of criminal investigations relating to transmission of HIV in England and Wales, 2005-2008.  The report was used as evidence to argue for both prosecutorial and police guidance.  To get a sense of its findings and impact see also the aidsmap.com coverage of the launch of the report held in the UK House of Commons in January 2009.

Alternative links
Aidsmap.com report of launch

Risk of HIV Infection Per Single Sexual Exposure to an Individual Living with HIV, and Other Life Events Comparable Risk of Occurrence

Compares risk of HIV transmission from a single sexual encounter with odds of illness or death from other life events.

Projected life expectancy of people with HIV according to timing of diagnosis

Estimates the life expectancy of an HIV-infected MSM living in a developed country with extensive access to ART and healthcare. Finds that predicted life expectancy is relatively high in people with HIV who can access a wide range of antiretrovirals. Finds the greatest risk of excess mortality is due to delays in HIV diagnosis.

Mortality in well controlled HIV in the continuous antiretroviral therapy arms of the SMART and ESPRIT trials compared with the general population

Compares mortality rates in well controlled HIV-infected adults in two clinical trials with the general population. Found that HIV-infected individuals on ART with a recent undetectable viral load, who maintained or had recovery of CD4(+) cell counts to at least 500 cells/μl, had no increased risk of death compared with the general population.

Spit Does Not Transmit: A Fact Sheet for Law Enforcement Personnel, The Center for HIV Law and Policy, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (2013)

This 2013 factsheet produced by the Center for HIV Law and Policy, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys provides current factual information about the HIV transmission risks law enforcement professionals may face in the line of duty (aiming to address the frequent overstating of risk). States there is no known case of a law enforcement officer being infected in the line of duty through spitting or biting.

Estimating per-act HIV transmission risk: a systematic review

Reports analysis of recent studies on per-act HIV transmission risk and modifying factors. Includes risk associated with blood transfusion, vertical exposure, sexual exposures, and parenteral exposures. Finds the risk of HIV acquisition varied widely, with risk from sexual transmission substantially reduced by combined use of condoms and antiretroviral treatment of HIV-infected partners.

Determinants of Per-Coital-Act HIV-1 Infectivity Among African HIV-1–Serodiscordant Couples

Reports data from a prospective study of African HIV-1–serodiscordant couples assessing transmissions for linkage within the study partnership, based on HIV-1 sequencing. Modifiable risk factors were (HIV-positive partner) RNA level and condom use, and (HIV-negative partner) presence of STIs and male circumcision.

Heterosexual risk of HIV-1 infection per sexual act: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Reports findings from systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies of the risk of HIV-1 transmission per heterosexual contact (43 publications based on 25 studies).

The Compendium of Judgments, HIV, Human Rights and the Law

Includes judgements from jurisdictions around the world, representing enabling jurisprudence on HIV-related issues, including judgements related to the criminalization of HIV transmission, exposure and non-disclosure.

Resolution of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Concerning HIV Criminalization

Opposes laws that base criminal liability and/or penalty on HIV status, rather than intent to harm. Argues that focus on knowledge of status as a key element of an HIV-related crime rather than intent and capacity to transmit the virus, is a classic example of an inadequate mens rea (or criminal intent) requirement and overly expansive criminalization.

Consensus Statement on The Criminalization Of HIV in the United States

The first national consensus statement by (a long list of) U.S. community organisations and individuals, released by the Positive Justice Project in July 2012. The Consensus Statement includes calls for an end to the use of specific laws and to prosecutions where there is no intent to cause harm and current science does not support the likelihood of transmission.

Alternative links
Spanish