AIDS 2018 Press Releases Discuss Research On Sex Work, HIV Criminalization Laws

AIDS 2018: Studies raise concerns about policies seeking to “end demand” for sex work
“Research suggests that ‘end demand’ laws are reducing demand for HIV services, according to panelists sharing the effectiveness of ‘end demand’ policies at a press conference that featured scientific abstracts and input from advocates. … Typically, under these laws, sex workers themselves commit no crime, but clients and any third parties are criminalized. Supporters of ‘end demand’ laws have argued that this approach will increase sex workers’ access to essential services, including HIV prevention and care. But two studies presented at [Wednesday’s] press conference at the 22nd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018) poked holes in this assertion, citing evidence from Canada and France…” (7/25).

AIDS 2018: 20 of the world’s leading researchers say scientific evidence does not support HIV criminalization laws
“Twenty of the world’s leading HIV scientists have launched an evidence-based consensus that systematically refutes the rationale for laws that criminalize HIV transmission. The ‘Expert Consensus Statement on the Science of HIV in the Context of Criminal Law’ and an accompanying editorial were published in the Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS) [Wednesday]. Concerned that HIV criminalization laws are partly driven by a poor appreciation of the science around HIV, the panel of 20 global experts developed a Consensus Statement describing the best medical and scientific evidence around HIV transmission to inform the justice system…” (7/25).

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