HIV was once considered a death sentence for those who contracted or spread the illness.
This led lawmakers across the U.S. to pass laws in the 1980s and 1990s aimed at protecting public health.
Over the years, medical treatments have advanced to the point that people with HIV could live longer and healthier lives. Yet, advocates say the laws don’t recognize that reality.
They cite recent research as a reason to reform current laws, saying the laws lag behind medical science and changing societal attitudes.
In Ohio, it’s considered felonious assault to have sexual contact with another person without telling them you have HIV, or hepatitis or tuberculosis, for that matter.
We look at the history and the current state of HIV laws.
Guests:
- Rachel Dissell, journalist, The Marshall Project
- Nathan Cisneros, HIV Criminalization Project Director, The Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law
- Kim Welter, CEO, KLW Consulting
- Ron Young, former state lawmaker
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