What's at Stake

Advances in medical treatment mean that an HIV diagnosis is no longer the death sentence it seemed to be in the 1980s. People living with HIV are thriving in every walk of life. Nonetheless, people living with HIV continue to suffer the effects of stigma, prejudice, and misunderstanding about HIV.

The ACLU works to defend and advance the civil rights and civil liberties of people living with HIV. We’re committed to fighting against laws that criminalize living with HIV. We also seek to make sure that people living with HIV in prison or jail have access to the medical care they need and have their medical confidentiality respected. Over the years, we have also worked to address and prevent HIV-based discrimination by employers, medical providers, and others through litigation and advocacy toward better laws and policies. 

If you know of possible HIV-related discrimination, please contact us!

Current Issues

HIV/AIDS and Discrimination

The ACLU HIV Project uses impact litigation, public education, and advocacy at the state and federal levels to fight discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS and Criminal Justice

People living with HIV/AIDS are disproportionately incarcerated. While in prison, they face widespread discrimination and difficulty accessing appropriate medical care. Misguided laws that criminalize HIV/AIDS exposure make matters worse and are both bad public health and discriminatory.


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