Originally posted on LGBT Health Link
By: Andrew Shaughnessy
http://blog.lgbthealthlink.org/2015/04/14/hiv-transmission-what-we-know-why-states-are-getting-it-wrong/

AIDS.gov states that certain body fluids from an HIV-positive person can transmit HIV.

The body fluids mentioned are:

• Blood
• Semen (cum)
• Pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum)
• Recital fluids
• Vaginal fluids
• Breast milk

Nowhere on this list does it mention saliva. Missouri laws criminalizes behaviors that the CDC regards as posing either no risk or negligible risk for HIV transmission, this includes saliva. The Justice Department goes so far as to detail the best practices States should incorporate to make HIV-related laws align with science.

However, earlier this week, Missouri Legislator Travis Fitzwater (R -49) introduced HB 1181, which would have made it a crime for an individual knowingly infected with HIV to intentionally project saliva at another person.

Missouri is no stranger to strict laws (MO Rev. Sec. 191.677) that criminalize certain behaviors that have been proven by science to not transmit HIV. Several States still reference criminal statutes that fall under this category, which is why States should start modernizing their HIV criminal laws: now. Enacted through the fear of the 80s – early 90s, Missouri, like many States, continues to get it wrong it when it comes to effective HIV/AIDS policy. States enacted these laws with the intention of reducing HIV transmission, however research shows that these fear-based laws have the opposite effect and help HIV proliferate.

Missouri House Bill 1181 was scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday April 7th, but at the last moment was taken off of the docket. This hopefully signals a step in the right direction — but we still have a long journey ahead.

Advocates in Missouri and nationwide should continue to monitor any legislation that seeks to further criminalize people who live with HIV.