HIV seropositive status disclosure to prospective sex partners and criminal laws that require it: perspectives of persons living with HIV

Abstract

Thirty-one HIV-positive persons living in Michigan took part in focus group discussions about Michigan's HIV disclosure law. Discussion themes included perceived responsibility to prevent infection, concern about unwanted secondary disclosure of HIV-positive status, fear of being falsely accused of violating Michigan's HIV disclosure law and perceived vulnerability of HIV-positive persons within the US legal system. Although participants strongly agreed with the ostensible purpose of Michigan's criminal HIV disclosure law, there was considerable concern about the negative impact of the law on persons living with HIV.