New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) on Thursday signed into law a measure allowing rape survivors to request that indicted suspects undergo an HIV test, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports.
The measure requires that indicted suspects be tested under a court order and that the results be provided to the survivor and the suspect. The New York Legislature in June approved the measure. The state's current law requires HIV tests after conviction of rape.
US Officials Urge Testing for HIV as Health Crisis Intensifies
As the HIV/AIDS crisis rages across the US, authorities are urging citizens to opt for testing for the virus at the first opportunity.
Advertisement
Supporters of the measure, which was submitted by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, said that the measure would help rape survivors have access to all information about the virus before they decide whether to take antiretroviral drugs for post-exposure prophylaxis.
However, some opponents said the bill might give rape survivors a false sense of security if suspects test negative, adding that survivors might stop taking antiretrovirals prematurely.
Spitzer in a statement said that sexual assault survivors "have a right to information that impacts their health, ability to receive timely treatment and peace of mind." Assembly member Daniel O'Donnell (D) said that if the person indicted did not commit the rape, then survivors and officials would be "making decisions" based on false information.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, most states either permit or require HIV testing among rape suspects after conviction, the AP/Newsday reports.
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
LIN/J
Advertisement
Spitzer in a statement said that sexual assault survivors "have a right to information that impacts their health, ability to receive timely treatment and peace of mind." Assembly member Daniel O'Donnell (D) said that if the person indicted did not commit the rape, then survivors and officials would be "making decisions" based on false information.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, most states either permit or require HIV testing among rape suspects after conviction, the AP/Newsday reports.
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
LIN/J
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest AIDS/HIV News
The Phase 1 trial for a preventive HIV vaccine candidate has initiated enrollment in both the United States and South Africa.
In the United States, African American women make up only 26% of female PrEP users, yet they account for 57% of new infections among women.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against HIV/AIDS with the successful resolution of the enigmatic immune-evading HIV protein complex.
Tailored quit-smoking programs are designed to address the risks associated with comorbidity in individuals living with HIV.
DNA editing tool CRISPR-Cas13 helps diagnose and signal the presence of HIV antibodies in HIV patients.
