July 6, 2009

Iowa Might Revisit HIV Transmission Laws

A recent Iowa court case regarding the criminal transmission of HIV has lawmakers and residents considering whether to revisit the Hawkeye state’s criminal code, reports the Iowa Independent.

According to the article, an Iowa man was sentenced in May to the maximum allowed—25 years in prison and a lifetime on parole—for criminal transmission of HIV in a case in which the one-time consensual partner did not contract HIV.

“Is this statute something that should be discussed? Yes,” said Bob Rigg, a member of the legislative subcommittee that oversees the state’s criminal code. “I think all laws should be evaluated periodically to see if they are accomplishing the intended goals of the legislature.”

However, Rigg cautioned advocates that the political process of revising the codes could end in unwanted and unexpected results.

Since 1998, when Iowa began prosecuting behavior that could result in HIV transmission, 36 people have faced charges. Of those, 24 have been convicted; sentences ranged from a few months on probation to several decades in prison.

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Previous Comments:

Living in Fear?, NY, 2009-07-10 00:37:11
It's ashame that we have to live in a world where we're afraid to start relationships for fear that we'll end up in jail and be treated like murderers. I've been poz for 25 years, divorced for 10 yrs...longing for companionship but too afraid of the 'what if'. Damned awful way to live.

roberto, miami, 2009-07-09 17:18:32
as adults we must have equal responsibilities...fear is not constructive..

Frederick Wright, Tampa, 2009-07-09 10:08:16
I for one am not going to digest any of the Ionians Potatos for it makes me sick out my stomach to think of such a distasteful food form a back wards community. Wow they are way backwards and way UN-Christain for the state's name needs to be change to China USA. And who in the Hell is the Governor of this little backwards state and please don't say his name is Cesar or Hitler.

Maria Rodriguez, Bronx, 2009-07-08 03:59:06
This is pretty scary stuff.Because nowadays, people will do anything to get back at someone,they might just come and say different.Ur word against theirs.I don't trust anyone with my life anymore..I've met quite a few crazy people out there that aim to hurt u because they don't get what they want.Nowaday,what i am doing, is if I'm talking to someone that isn't positive and I ask them if they would date an HIV+ girl, if they say YES,u better believe i am making a copy of that answer.HAVE TO.