 
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.
Search: Iowa, Criminalization, nondisclosure, sex offender
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comments 1 - 4 (of 4 total)
Mark, NYC, 2012-02-16 20:04:49
Wow! Your damned if you do (tell) and damned if you don't (tell). My suggestion is to sign a consenting contract which both parties agree and have it notarized.
ed, Panama City, 2012-02-15 09:33:44
So, if someone who is infected tries to infect others but is unsuccessful it is ok. It only counts if they are successful in making others infected. Some how that does not seem right.
Steve, Des Moines, 2012-02-14 12:52:44
Two Points. The previous post regading both parties being respnsibile is absolutely true. We're all adults. Government needs to stay out of the bedroom.
Second. Why is HIV singled out in all of this? What about Hep C, Herpes, Syphillis and any other STDs that can lead to serious health concerns up to and including immortality. Do we require all these people to disclose thier status or prosecute them with prison if the pary happens to become co-infected with Hep C or B? Stop the hysteria!
Scott, Plymouth, 2012-02-14 09:04:11
I see nothing in the laws for the personal responsibility of the other person involved. We are each responsible for or own lives and health. Both parties have to agree (on some level) that they do not want to practice safe sex. Unless forced into sex both parties have to be responsible for their own well being.
comments 1 - 4 (of 4 total)
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