Many people find it difficult to tell others that they have HIV because HIV remains a highly stigmatised condition. This section contains information about the many reasons people may not tell their sexual partners about their HIV status. It shows that there is nothing unusual or malicious about a person not disclosing their status before sex.
Designed to help health and service providers to support PLHIV who are thinking about disclosing their HIV status, the guide provides commentary on obstacles to disclosure, personal biases and concerns for public safety. Also lists agencies providing support for service providers.
Explains when there is a legal duty to disclose HIV-positive status to sexual partners, what can happen when a person doesn’t disclose, and what to do if a person is worried about being charged.
Arguing from a feminist perspective, this article contends that non-disclosure of HIV status to one’s sexual partner should not vitiate consent to sexual activity. Considers the gendered effect of lying, and how HIV status intersects with the power imbalance at the root of sexual assault. Discusses the tension between the need for women to protect both their medical information and their sexual integrity. Also considers the role of stigma in preventing disclosure.
Considers issues around disclosure of HIV status including human rights, ethical obligations to prevent transmission and the complexity of disclosure.
Examines the prevalence and correlates of violence against women living with HIV due to HIV status in Metro Vancouver and examines the particular impact of non-voluntary HIV disclosure. Found that WLWH who had their HIV status disclosed without consent had 5-fold increased risk of experiencing HIV-related violence. Suggests that the criminalisation of HIV non-disclosure may contribute to and reproduce gender-based violence, and raises concern about stigma, discrimination, and women’s confidentiality rights.