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Discrimination and AIDS

AIDS is a condition where the inflicted have little or no natural immune system. It starts with HIV, which destroys specific blood cells called CD4+ T cells, which are crucial to helping the body fight disease. Discrimination against those with AIDS is rampant worldwide.

  1. Segregation of Prisoners with HIV/AIDS

    • According to the American Civil Liberties Union, in 2009 a long-standing law preventing Alabama prisoners with AIDS from entering work release programs was finally thrown out. In the mid-1990s an Alabama warden testified in court that regulations were justified because people with AIDS were "as dangerous as rattlesnakes."

    Old Information Contributes to Stigma

    • Many people are unaware that today's medication allows people with HIV to live normal lives, and they may never acquire AIDS. People with HIV often appear healthy, yet many people still believe HIV is a death sentence.

    Stigma Makes Prevention Harder

    • Governments may be less likely to take action because of prejudicial beliefs, and those same beliefs may discourage individuals from getting tested due to fear of discrimination. People with HIV and AIDS are denied jobs, housing and health care services.

    Causes of Stigma

    • AIDS is subject to stigma for many reasons. Some people who have the disease engage or have engaged in behavior that is itself stigmatized, such as prostitution, drug use and homosexual or bisexual behavior.

    New Directions

    • In July 2010, President Obama outlined a new strategy for HIV and AIDS discrimination emphasizing increasing access to health care for those infected with HIV, which would help prevent them from being susceptible to the resulting condition of AIDS.

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