HIV-Related Law & Health Policy
Trump administration axes more than $125M in LGBTQ health funding, upending research field
NBC News, April 3, 2025
The nation’s LGBTQ research field is collapsing. Academics who focus on gay and transgender Americans have been subjected to waves of grant cancellations from the National Institutes of Health. More than 270 grants totaling at least $125 million of unspent funds have been eliminated, though the true sum is likely much greater.
NBC News, April 3, 2025
The nation’s LGBTQ research field is collapsing. Academics who focus on gay and transgender Americans have been subjected to waves of grant cancellations from the National Institutes of Health. More than 270 grants totaling at least $125 million of unspent funds have been eliminated, though the true sum is likely much greater.
FDA reportedly raids manufacturer of poppers, an increasingly popular party drug
NBC News, March 14, 2025
The FDA has reportedly targeted a manufacturer of poppers, an inhalant drug that has gained increasingly mainstream popularity. This comes after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took the helm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA. Kennedy has erroneously suggested that poppers and other drug use, not HIV, cause AIDS.
NBC News, March 14, 2025
The FDA has reportedly targeted a manufacturer of poppers, an inhalant drug that has gained increasingly mainstream popularity. This comes after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took the helm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA. Kennedy has erroneously suggested that poppers and other drug use, not HIV, cause AIDS.
CDC site scrubs HIV content following Trump DEI policies
NBC News, January 31, 2025
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scrubbed a swath of HIV-related content from the agency’s website as a part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to wipe out diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the federal government. Experts are concerned this portends a dismantling of the CDC's efforts to combat and track the U.S. HIV epidemic.
NBC News, January 31, 2025
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scrubbed a swath of HIV-related content from the agency’s website as a part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to wipe out diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the federal government. Experts are concerned this portends a dismantling of the CDC's efforts to combat and track the U.S. HIV epidemic.
Advocates criticize Biden for inaction after judge orders military to accept recruits with HIV
NBC News, January 16, 2025
As Joe Biden’s presidency reaches its final days, advocates for people with HIV are increasingly concerned that his administration will not fully implement a judge's August 2024 ruling striking down a longstanding prohibition on military enlistment by HIV-positive recruits, punting the matter to the incoming Trump administration.
NBC News, January 16, 2025
As Joe Biden’s presidency reaches its final days, advocates for people with HIV are increasingly concerned that his administration will not fully implement a judge's August 2024 ruling striking down a longstanding prohibition on military enlistment by HIV-positive recruits, punting the matter to the incoming Trump administration.
People with HIV cannot be categorically barred from joining the military, judge rules
NBC News, August 21, 2024
Americans with well-treated HIV can no longer be barred from enlisting in the U.S. military, a federal judge ruled, striking down the Pentagon’s last remaining policy limiting the service of those with the virus. “Defendants’ policies prohibiting the accession of asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals with undetectable viral loads into the military are irrational, arbitrary, and capricious," wrote the U.S. District Court judge.
NBC News, August 21, 2024
Americans with well-treated HIV can no longer be barred from enlisting in the U.S. military, a federal judge ruled, striking down the Pentagon’s last remaining policy limiting the service of those with the virus. “Defendants’ policies prohibiting the accession of asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals with undetectable viral loads into the military are irrational, arbitrary, and capricious," wrote the U.S. District Court judge.
Appeals court finds 'Obamacare' pillar unconstitutional in suit over HIV-prevention drug
NBC News: June 21, 2024
A federal appeals court found unconstitutional a key component of the Affordable Care Act that grants a health task force the effective authority to require that insurers both cover an array of preventive health interventions and screenings and refrain from imposing out-of-pocket costs for them. If the Supreme Court ultimately overturns this pillar, it could raise related out-of-pocket health care costs.
NBC News: June 21, 2024
A federal appeals court found unconstitutional a key component of the Affordable Care Act that grants a health task force the effective authority to require that insurers both cover an array of preventive health interventions and screenings and refrain from imposing out-of-pocket costs for them. If the Supreme Court ultimately overturns this pillar, it could raise related out-of-pocket health care costs.
H.I.V. Groups Warn of Privacy Risks in How C.D.C. Tracks Virus Samples
The New York Times, February 9, 2024
The CDC revised its guidelines for tracking the genetic signatures of viruses collected from people newly diagnosed with HIV, a controversial practice called molecular surveillance used by state and local health departments to curb infections. The agency stopped short of adopting more significant changes that some advocates had pushed for, such as allowing health agencies to opt out in states where people can be prosecuted for transmitting HIV.
The New York Times, February 9, 2024
The CDC revised its guidelines for tracking the genetic signatures of viruses collected from people newly diagnosed with HIV, a controversial practice called molecular surveillance used by state and local health departments to curb infections. The agency stopped short of adopting more significant changes that some advocates had pushed for, such as allowing health agencies to opt out in states where people can be prosecuted for transmitting HIV.
Insurers must cover injectable HIV prevention drug — unless courts void mandate
NBC News, August 22, 2023
A health task force’s new endorsement of a long-acting injectable medication for use as HIV prevention will require health insurers to begin covering the pricey drug by 2025. However, the hotly anticipated development is on a legal collision course.
NBC News, August 22, 2023
A health task force’s new endorsement of a long-acting injectable medication for use as HIV prevention will require health insurers to begin covering the pricey drug by 2025. However, the hotly anticipated development is on a legal collision course.
FDA policy allowing more gay and bisexual men to donate blood goes into effect
NBC News, August 7, 2023
In a victory for LGBTQ rights, a broad swath of the U.S. population of gay men became newly able donate blood, thanks to the implementation by the American Red Cross of a landmark recent change in Food and Drug Administration policy. The policy newly permits donations from men in monogamous relationships with other men, as well as those who have not recently engaged in anal sex.
NBC News, August 7, 2023
In a victory for LGBTQ rights, a broad swath of the U.S. population of gay men became newly able donate blood, thanks to the implementation by the American Red Cross of a landmark recent change in Food and Drug Administration policy. The policy newly permits donations from men in monogamous relationships with other men, as well as those who have not recently engaged in anal sex.
U.S. progress in HIV fight continues to trail many other rich nations
NBC News, May 23, 2023
New HIV infections continue to ebb only modestly in the United States, while many other wealthy Western nations have posted steep reductions, thanks to more successful efforts overseas to promptly diagnose and treat the virus and promote the HIV prevention pill, PrEP.
NBC News, May 23, 2023
New HIV infections continue to ebb only modestly in the United States, while many other wealthy Western nations have posted steep reductions, thanks to more successful efforts overseas to promptly diagnose and treat the virus and promote the HIV prevention pill, PrEP.
Tennessee blocked $8 million for HIV, now ends up with $13 million, stunning advocates
NBC News, April 21, 2023
Tennessee has gone from blocking $8.3 million in annual federal funds to combat HIV to newly including $9 million in the state budget approved Thursday to combat the virus. This development came after the CDC announced that it will circumvent the state government and continue providing about $4 million in HIV-prevention funds to Tennessee nonprofit groups, despite Gov. Bill Lee’s objections.
NBC News, April 21, 2023
Tennessee has gone from blocking $8.3 million in annual federal funds to combat HIV to newly including $9 million in the state budget approved Thursday to combat the virus. This development came after the CDC announced that it will circumvent the state government and continue providing about $4 million in HIV-prevention funds to Tennessee nonprofit groups, despite Gov. Bill Lee’s objections.
Government can't mandate coverage for drugs that prevent HIV, Texas federal judge rules
NBC News, September 2022
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that a provision of the Affordable Care Act that mandates free coverage of HIV-prevention drugs violates the religious beliefs of a Christian-owned company. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor came in response to a lawsuit filed by Jonathan Mitchell, a former Texas solicitor general.
NBC News, September 2022
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that a provision of the Affordable Care Act that mandates free coverage of HIV-prevention drugs violates the religious beliefs of a Christian-owned company. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor came in response to a lawsuit filed by Jonathan Mitchell, a former Texas solicitor general.
Judge strikes down military's limits on service members with HIV
NBC News, April 2022
In a landmark ruling, a federal court has ordered the Defense Department to end a long-standing Pentagon policy forbidding enlisted military service members from deploying in active duty outside the continental U.S. and being commissioned as officers if they have HIV. Supporters hailed it as overdue legal affirmation that people on effective antiretroviral treatment for HIV are healthy and pose no risk to others.
NBC News, April 2022
In a landmark ruling, a federal court has ordered the Defense Department to end a long-standing Pentagon policy forbidding enlisted military service members from deploying in active duty outside the continental U.S. and being commissioned as officers if they have HIV. Supporters hailed it as overdue legal affirmation that people on effective antiretroviral treatment for HIV are healthy and pose no risk to others.
Trump Success In Ending Obamacare Would Kill Fauci Plan to Conquer HIV
The Guardian, October 2020
In his State of the Union in February 2019, Donald Trump vowed to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. But if Trump has his way and the Supreme Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act (ACA) the resulting disruption to the healthcare system would end that dream. “The plan is dead in the water if the ACA goes down,” said Nastad's Amy Killelea.
The Guardian, October 2020
In his State of the Union in February 2019, Donald Trump vowed to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. But if Trump has his way and the Supreme Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act (ACA) the resulting disruption to the healthcare system would end that dream. “The plan is dead in the water if the ACA goes down,” said Nastad's Amy Killelea.
"Rick Scott Had Us On Lockdown":
How Florida Said No to $70 Million for HIV Crisis
The Guardian, September 2019
While the Republican senator Rick Scott was governor of Florida his administration presided over the effective blocking of $70 million in federal funds available for fighting the state’s HIV crisis. Coupled with the fact that Scott refused to expand Medicaid in Florida, this new revelation—the product of an extensive investigation—helps explain why the state’s HIV epidemic became almost peerlessly severe during Scott’s time in office.
How Florida Said No to $70 Million for HIV Crisis
The Guardian, September 2019
While the Republican senator Rick Scott was governor of Florida his administration presided over the effective blocking of $70 million in federal funds available for fighting the state’s HIV crisis. Coupled with the fact that Scott refused to expand Medicaid in Florida, this new revelation—the product of an extensive investigation—helps explain why the state’s HIV epidemic became almost peerlessly severe during Scott’s time in office.
"Nevertheless They Persisted"
(POZ, September 2017)
In the face of potential budget cutbacks or continued flat funding, HIV scientists and advocates are waging a powerful war against the global epidemic. The 9th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science in Paris saw myriad reasons for hope but also considerable cause for concern about the future of the global fight.
(POZ, September 2017)
In the face of potential budget cutbacks or continued flat funding, HIV scientists and advocates are waging a powerful war against the global epidemic. The 9th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science in Paris saw myriad reasons for hope but also considerable cause for concern about the future of the global fight.
"The Republican Health Care Plan Would Devastate People With HIV"
(POZ, June 2017)
President Donald Trump’s proposed federal budget and the House Republican health care bill, if enacted, would deal a devastating blow to people living with and at risk for HIV. Additionally, the president’s proposed cuts to global HIV funding could prove cataclysmic to developing nations.
(POZ, June 2017)
President Donald Trump’s proposed federal budget and the House Republican health care bill, if enacted, would deal a devastating blow to people living with and at risk for HIV. Additionally, the president’s proposed cuts to global HIV funding could prove cataclysmic to developing nations.
"Hot & Bothered." (POZ, April 2014)
Stuck between science and politics, sex ed struggles to break free. |
“Cut to Fit.” (POZ, Oct. 2013) Major studies support circumcision as prevention in Africa, but a small yet vocal group argues the science is flawed.
“Getting HIV Care Without Getting Deported.” (POZ, Oct. 2011) Treatment options and help are available for undocumented HIV-positive people.
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“Christine Maggiore: AIDS Naysayer.” (Gay.com, January 2006)
Maggiore was one of the most influential HIV denialists. After her toddler-age daughter died of AIDS-related causes in 2005, she argued that the cause of death was really an allergic reaction to antibiotics.
Three years later Maggiore died of complications to do with AIDS as well.
Thinking the full transcript of the Gay.com interview would prove exculpatory, Maggiore had the text published on a web site devoted to clearing her name with regards to her daughter's death.
Maggiore was one of the most influential HIV denialists. After her toddler-age daughter died of AIDS-related causes in 2005, she argued that the cause of death was really an allergic reaction to antibiotics.
Three years later Maggiore died of complications to do with AIDS as well.
Thinking the full transcript of the Gay.com interview would prove exculpatory, Maggiore had the text published on a web site devoted to clearing her name with regards to her daughter's death.
- Out Traveler, July 2008: "HIV Travel Ban to Loosen?"
- HIV Plus, April 2007: “Prison Break.” A non-profit’s efforts to work with correctional institutions to combat HIV and care for those living with the virus who are incarcerated.
- HIV Plus, August 2004: “Coming Home.” Programs helping HIV-positive inmates adjust to life on the outside.
- HIV Plus, August 2004: “Sticking Point.” The plight of needle-exchange programs.
- Gay City News, Sept. 2002: "A Housing Works Win."
- Gay City News, Aug. 2002: "Homeless With AIDS--A System Build On No Permanent Solution."
- Numedx, July 2002: "The 21 Years War." A presidential history of the HIV epidemic.
- POZ, June 2002: "Party Politics." AIDS politics starts to get ugly under the nascent Bush administration.
- POZ, Jan. 2002: "Sex Pistols." The Bush admin. sends chill across HIV prevention groups that receive federal funding.