February 13, 2012

Advocates Seek Changes to Iowa HIV Criminalization Law

Advocates in Iowa are lobbying their state legislature to change the HIV criminalization law so that a person can be prosecuted only in cases that include both an intent to transmit and an actual transmission, The Daily Iowan reports. Currently, Iowa prosecutes people for nondisclosure of their status, no matter the circumstances. Advocates also want other considerations taken into account in the decision to prosecute, such as the person’s viral load, the kind of sex act performed, and if a condom was used. Such changes would reduce the number of prosecutions. Under current law, people convicted can get up to 25 years in prison and have to register as a sex offender. In 2010, advocates tried to remove the law completely from state code but failed.

To read the Daily Iowan article, click here.

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