Healthy Public Policy: Assessing the Impact of Law and Policy on Human Rights and HIV Prevention and Care: Summary Report

A review of literature on the health impacts of law and policy related to HIV/AIDS. The report reviews both theoretical arguments and empirical research studies on the impact of various laws and policies on population health and HIV vulnerability. It argues that many legal and policy measures that try to regulate and penalize high risk behaviours (such as drug use, sex work, non-disclosure of HIV status/ not telling your partner about your HIV status) can in fact put people at higher risk for HIV. More research is needed to demonstrate how law and policy can negatively impact on the human rights and health of individuals and communities. This evidence would allow decision makers to avoid creating a policy/legal environment that undermines HIV prevention and care efforts.