Iowa lawmakers consider tough law on HIV exposure
Currently, people who do not disclose their HIV status in Iowa face long prison sentences and a permanent spot on the sex offender registry list.
Now, lawmakers in the state are reconsidering the legislation.
Lawmakers are debating whether to repeal the state law on criminal exposure and replace it with one that would impose more moderate sentences and would better reflect current medical understanding of how the disease is transmitted. If the legislation is approved, Iowa would be one of the first states to revise its decades-old statute that imposes criminal sentences for HIV exposure.
Advocates have long fought for such changes, but have often met resistance.
More than 30 states currently have laws similar to Iowa’s current legislation in place.
Should the law be changed?
Sound off below!