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Public Disclosure of HIV Status: Public Safety or Breach of Confidentiality?

From , former About.com Guide

Updated January 15, 2011

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Pros

By releasing the man's name, photo, and HIV status, theoretically women and men he may encounter in the future will be aware of his HIV status and could take the proper precautions in the event of any sexual contact.

Cons

Disclosing this man's HIV status, name and photo jeopardizes every HIV positive person's right to confidentiality. Where will the line be drawn? When will it be judged to be ok to violate someone's right to confidentiality? Eventually, the confidentiality of all medical records, HIV positive and nagative alike could be in jeopardy.

Where It Stands

The trial of this man starts March 11, 2006. As for his confidentiality, the damage has been done, at least in the eyes of those people who feel confidentiality of HIV status is an absolute with no room for exceptions.

What do you think? Has an injustice been done by the RCMP or has this man lost his right to confidentiality because of his unwillingness to disclose his status to sex partners? Let us know what you think in our forum.

Last updated: 11/27/05

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