02/28/2026
It's 2026 and 29 states still criminalize people for living with HIV.
HIV criminalization laws punish people for alleged exposure or transmission of HIV — regardless of intent, actual risk, or whether they're on treatment that makes the virus undetectable. These laws were born from fear and misinformation in the 1980s and don't make communities safer. They increase stigma, discourage testing, and disproportionately impact those already facing the greatest barriers to care.
February 28 is HIV Is Not A Crime Awareness Day. Learn more about how to join the efforts and ways to strengthen the movement by committing to engage with coalitions and people who have experienced HIV criminalization like and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.