%0 Journal Article
%T Criminalization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the United States.
%A Lennon-Dearing R
%J Nurs Clin North Am
%V 59
%N 2
%D 2024 Jun
%M 38670690
%F 1.617
%R 10.1016/j.cnur.2024.01.001
%X Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) criminalization is the prosecution of people with HIV using HIV-specific state statutes, sentence enhancements, and general criminal laws wherein otherwise legal conduct becomes criminalized based on a person's HIV diagnosis. HIV criminal laws perpetuate HIV stigma and discrimination, misrepresent how HIV is transmitted, and are a barrier to HIV prevention and care. Research has found that Black Americans are more likely to be arrested for and convicted of HIV-related offenses. The harm caused by HIV laws on already marginalized communities is long-lasting and severe.