Spreading HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is against the law in 37 states – with penalties ranging up to life in prison

By Robin Lennon-Dearing, Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Memphis

Despite the fact that HIV is now a treatable medical condition, the majority of U.S. states still have laws on the books that criminalize exposing other people to HIV. Whether or not the virus is transmitted does not matter. Neither does a person’s intention to cause harm. A person simply must be aware of being HIV-positive to be found guilty.

These laws are enforced mainly on marginalized people living in poverty who cannot afford lawyers. The penalties – felony…

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