Advocates push for Pennsylvania's House Bill 632 to decriminalize HIV transmission stigma

In a pivotal meeting of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee on June 2, 2025, advocates and experts gathered to discuss the urgent need for legislative reform regarding the criminalization of HIV. The atmosphere was charged with personal stories and scientific insights, as speakers highlighted the stigma surrounding HIV and the detrimental effects of outdated laws.

Andrea Johnson, founder of Girl You Can Do It Inc., shared her personal journey as a mother and a woman living with HIV. She emphasized the stigma that often accompanies the diagnosis, recounting her fears of how it would affect her family and career. Johnson passionately advocated for House Bill 632, which aims to remove the criminalization of HIV, arguing that such laws deter individuals from getting tested and seeking treatment. “HIV is not a crime,” she stated, urging lawmakers to support the bill to help dismantle the stigma that continues to plague those living with the virus.

Dr. Jay Kostman, Chief Medical Officer at FITE Philadelphia Community Health Centers, echoed Johnson's sentiments, explaining that the fear of legal repercussions discourages people from getting tested for HIV. He highlighted the scientific advancements in HIV treatment, noting that individuals on effective treatment can achieve an undetectable viral load, meaning they cannot transmit the virus to others. “We should not subject people to laws that were enacted out of fear,” he asserted, calling for a public health approach that prioritizes education and access to care.

Former Milford Borough Mayor Sean Strub, who founded Paws Magazine, also spoke about the persistent stigma surrounding HIV, which he described as more complex today than in the past. He pointed out that while scientific understanding has evolved, societal perceptions have not kept pace, leading to continued discrimination against those living with HIV. Strub urged the committee to modernize the laws, stating that the stigma is now the greatest barrier to public health, not the virus itself.

Rhonda Goldfein, Executive Director of the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, provided a historical context for the existing laws, explaining that they were initially enacted in the 1990s as a misguided attempt to curb HIV transmission. She noted that the federal requirement for states to have such laws has since been removed, yet Pennsylvania still retains the last specific reference to HIV in its criminal code. Goldfein emphasized that the current law does not effectively serve public health and only perpetuates stigma.

The committee members engaged in a robust discussion, with questions about the law's historical application and its implications for public health. They learned that the law has rarely been enforced, with most charges being dismissed, and that there is no credible evidence linking the criminalization of HIV to reduced transmission rates.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for reform was palpable. Advocates left the session hopeful that the committee would recognize the need for change and vote in favor of House Bill 632, paving the way for a more compassionate and scientifically informed approach to HIV in Pennsylvania. The discussions underscored a critical moment in the fight against stigma and the ongoing efforts to ensure that those living with HIV receive the care and support they deserve.