Expert consensus statement calls HIV criminalization unjust

NP NEWS NETWORK

“Expert Consensus Statement on the Science of HIV in the Context of Criminal Law”, a new consensus statement released at the International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam, The Netherlands says that at least 68 countries have laws that specifically criminalize HIV non‐disclosure, exposure or transmission, which worsens the epidemic. The document strongly recommends exercising more caution when considering criminal prosecution; governments and those working in legal and judicial systems should carefully appraise  current scientific evidence on HIV‐related risks and harms to reduce stigma and discrimination and to avoid miscarriages of justice.