How about mandatory testing of STD including HIV and Herpes at the time of incarceration and release. Most of these men don't want to know their status as that would cramp their style. Knowingly transmitting STD is against the law in most states. The women dealing with these guys should have a way to access their STD status.
38
Re-reading this article after reading the comments, I see no basis for those which treat her proposal as if she has stated unequivocally that the rate of black male incarceration is an absolute factor in the rate of AIDS deaths among black women. She hasn't. Her very valid hypothesis, suggested by the accumulated research, is its plausibility as a strong factor, one that deserves straight forward serious analysis.
Other comments blaming the victims and implying a lack of personal accountability, smack of the intransigence of the religious fundamentalists in blocking access to all but abstinence only sex education, which across many centuries and all demographics, has proven an undeniable failure, even among their own.
Where issues such as sexually transmitted diseases and drug use have been concerned, there's always been plenty of shaming, disgust, condemnation and inhumane disregard to go around as long it's deemed to bedevil only some “other” community – until it doesn't.
These are the type of judgmental attitudes that prevented AIDS research from the very beginning and for entirely too long. The same attitudes which allowed it, as well as addiction, the foothold to become the national public health issues they have, condemning many to death in the process. Where is the shame and condemnation for that?
Other comments blaming the victims and implying a lack of personal accountability, smack of the intransigence of the religious fundamentalists in blocking access to all but abstinence only sex education, which across many centuries and all demographics, has proven an undeniable failure, even among their own.
Where issues such as sexually transmitted diseases and drug use have been concerned, there's always been plenty of shaming, disgust, condemnation and inhumane disregard to go around as long it's deemed to bedevil only some “other” community – until it doesn't.
These are the type of judgmental attitudes that prevented AIDS research from the very beginning and for entirely too long. The same attitudes which allowed it, as well as addiction, the foothold to become the national public health issues they have, condemning many to death in the process. Where is the shame and condemnation for that?
27
It is hard not to "blame the victim" when the women did not become HIV positive from just walking down the street. The incidence of HIV infection drops when the members of the susceptible group practice safe sex. I"m tired of reading that the rest of us have to pick up the very expensive tab for drugs to treat HIV positive members of our society, when it is their dangerous activity that caused the problem. If they would have used protection during all sexual encounters they wouldn't be in this predicament now. If they know that many men who have been in prison may have become positive, there is logic to using condoms for all sexual encounters until they are tested. Condoms are a lot cheaper than anti-viral drugs. Maybe the cheapest fix is to hand out condoms to black women in these susceptible groups.
28
This article raises more questions than it answers. The mechanism of transmission of HIV in this population is poorly addressed. Not laying blame is essential, but understanding the mechanism of transmission is critical. A more detailed analysis is warranted.
10
Based on the evidence presented, I am not satisfied with this explanation. I would like to see a comparison of the black male population to the Hispanic male population on the factors of incarceration, HIV, and AIDS. In many states, the incarcerated population is as high for Hispanic men as it is for black men. (I don't know how the *rates* of incarceration compare.)
Much more supporting evidence is needed, especially in light of the information that "....the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the majority of prisoners with H.I.V. are exposed to the virus before they are incarcerated." The author fails to deal straightforwardly with this evidence.
Much more supporting evidence is needed, especially in light of the information that "....the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the majority of prisoners with H.I.V. are exposed to the virus before they are incarcerated." The author fails to deal straightforwardly with this evidence.
19
What role does economic status play in this?
Black women aren't monolithic; the notion that a black woman attorney in NYC is facing the same issues as a black woman who is unemployed in West Virginia (for example) just doesn't make sense.
I get that "some Black women" are dying of AIDS, but which ones? People's lives are not only a function of their racial/ethnic identity, but also education level, economic status, religion, etc.
Just saying "black women" without further clarification isn't especially helpful in resolving the issue. Drill down further into their identities and you may learn more.
Black women aren't monolithic; the notion that a black woman attorney in NYC is facing the same issues as a black woman who is unemployed in West Virginia (for example) just doesn't make sense.
I get that "some Black women" are dying of AIDS, but which ones? People's lives are not only a function of their racial/ethnic identity, but also education level, economic status, religion, etc.
Just saying "black women" without further clarification isn't especially helpful in resolving the issue. Drill down further into their identities and you may learn more.
56
Some of the comments about this article are both racist and despicable. To suggest that African-Americans are "promiscuous" is one of those stereotypes that have no basis in fact. Clearly the product of a bigot's imagination.
Apart from that, there is a clear disconnect between the article's title and the matters discussed therein.
I think it would be a good start towards preventing transmission if people were tested while in prison and further, if condoms were made available so that they don't infect others. It's not like the public health officials and correctional facilities don't know that men are having sex with other men either voluntarily or as a result of "coerced" sex.
Apart from that, there is a clear disconnect between the article's title and the matters discussed therein.
I think it would be a good start towards preventing transmission if people were tested while in prison and further, if condoms were made available so that they don't infect others. It's not like the public health officials and correctional facilities don't know that men are having sex with other men either voluntarily or as a result of "coerced" sex.
7
Data would certainly help here. Do we not record the HIV status of everyone entering prison? Do we also not record the HIV status of everyone discharged from prison? If not.... why not?
15
""Why Are So Many Black Women Dying of AIDS?"
Maybe because many black men are living on the down-low.
Maybe because many black men are living on the down-low.
22
"Nothing in all Nature is more certain than the fact that no single thing or event can stand alone. It is attached to all that has gone before it, and it will remain attached to all that will follow it. It was born of some cause, and so it must be followed by some effect..."--Julian P. Johnson
"In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments; there are only consequences"--Robert Ingersol
Wisdom (which is learned and follows an uptick in consciousness and awareness) consists of respect for and the anticipation of consequences.
"In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments; there are only consequences"--Robert Ingersol
Wisdom (which is learned and follows an uptick in consciousness and awareness) consists of respect for and the anticipation of consequences.
6
So, let's assume that, as some of the commenters do, and I do not, that the problem of high rates of HIV infection in black women would go away if black people would just do the right thing, and be responsible. And at that point we can abandon any other effort to alleviate the problem because the problem is lack of reponsibility, for which " they " should be punished. So, we can do away with those free condoms and needle exchanges,legal aid, planned parenthood, How about common sense gun regulation? Food stamps anyone. Universal healthcare. Affirmative action.
The United States has failed to address ,effectively, the problem of the harm we as a society have caused and continue to cause black men. And THIS harm is fostering more harm on black women and children. The hiv rates in black women and the high incarceration rates of black are just very loud manifestations of our inability to muster any compassion for those who we consider " other ".
The United States has failed to address ,effectively, the problem of the harm we as a society have caused and continue to cause black men. And THIS harm is fostering more harm on black women and children. The hiv rates in black women and the high incarceration rates of black are just very loud manifestations of our inability to muster any compassion for those who we consider " other ".
31
The author of this op-ed slipped this sentence in there, hoping we wouldn't notice it:
"....the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the majority of prisoners with H.I.V. are exposed to the virus before they are incarcerated."
"....the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the majority of prisoners with H.I.V. are exposed to the virus before they are incarcerated."
60
This statement undercuts the premise of the article!
21
HIV is not the only STD which is experiencing rising rates of infections. We've had over 25+ years of "safe sex" education in schools. If people are avoiding condoms, it's because they CHOOSE to. We have to start shifting responsibility back to the individual to take care of themselves, instead of always blaming externals. Nothing else is going to work.
25
Okay, so outline the step to so accomplish.
1
get tested, use a condom.
10
1. Have HIV testing -- for yourself and for whoever you're planning to have sex with -- BEFORE you engage. Show rach other nthe results. Planned Parenthood offers testing and I believe you can buy test kits at the drugstore.
For those who say "Oh, ridiculous" -- good luck with your risky lifestyle.
Every prisoner -- as the author suggests -- before enterting prison and before leaving prison should be tested for HIV as a condition of release from prison. Those who test positive should be offered treatment.
2. Women and men outside of prison: Don't have sex with people you do not know. Or do so, knowing you may forever change your life in negative ways.
3. Continue to use protection with ALL partners, even if they are perceived to be "safe." Trust is great, insurance is better.
4. Beyond this, no answers. It all comes back to personal responsibility, not some mysterious "injustice." I have more faith in people than this mantra.
5. Speak up and speak out, churches that serve the population at the heart of this article. HIV infection costs money, it diminishes your health, it can infect fetuses and requires that forever after you inform potential sex partners or potentially become liable under the laws if you infect someone.
Seems smarter to take charge of your life before that happens, eh?
For those who say "Oh, ridiculous" -- good luck with your risky lifestyle.
Every prisoner -- as the author suggests -- before enterting prison and before leaving prison should be tested for HIV as a condition of release from prison. Those who test positive should be offered treatment.
2. Women and men outside of prison: Don't have sex with people you do not know. Or do so, knowing you may forever change your life in negative ways.
3. Continue to use protection with ALL partners, even if they are perceived to be "safe." Trust is great, insurance is better.
4. Beyond this, no answers. It all comes back to personal responsibility, not some mysterious "injustice." I have more faith in people than this mantra.
5. Speak up and speak out, churches that serve the population at the heart of this article. HIV infection costs money, it diminishes your health, it can infect fetuses and requires that forever after you inform potential sex partners or potentially become liable under the laws if you infect someone.
Seems smarter to take charge of your life before that happens, eh?
36
This article postulates a numbers of causes for the high HIV rate, but the proofs offered are mostly conjectural, not scientific. Before attempting any solution to the problem it would be more productive to accurately pinpoint the causes, and then let the solutions flow from that knowledge. Going off in what could be a number of false directions would only wind up prolonging the tragedy of this terrible situation.
24
The "Charlie Sheen" factor probably weighs the Southern California statistics.
5
Apparently there is no personal responsibility involved in transmission of the HIV virus. Apparently the higher rates of HIV/AIDs in the African American community is the result of something other than unprotected sex. It is nonsense, some thirty years after the beginnings of understanding of HIV and the beginning of understanding of inhibiting transmission, to look to others for responsibility.
52
You can blame others til your blue in the face , but ultimately the HIV crisis affects us all. The author brught up a lot of good interventions to see if the statistics can change. That is the goal.
7
I don't know if you watched the first season of "True Detective." In it, the detectives had to face an underbelly of such depraved corruption that, after having eventually "emerged" from it, they could never be the same. It's the way I'm feeling about the U.S. Scrape any brightly-painted surface of it and you're left with a dull, evil primer that no one dares even apply the finest sandpaper to.
9
Because noooo other country on Earth is the same way.
It's called humanity.
It's called humanity.
7
But we in the good old US of A are supposed to be better than that.
3
Universal Health Care can reduce HIV or other epidemics when everyone has easy access to care. For example, if SARS were to return, more people will die due to the lack of care. Better access to care will give us better public health.
17
Prison is the carefully carved colored exception to the 13th Amendment's abolition of "slavery and involuntary servitude". With 2.3 million Americans incarcerated America has 25% of the world prison population with only 5% of the Earth's people. And blacks who are 13.2% of Americans make-up 40% of those imprisoned. Primarily poor non-violent and guilty of illegal drug possession, property crimes and other minor offenses that similarly situated whites are not prosecuted for nor sent to prison. Prison creates a permanent underclass that impacts and reverberates through the convict's family and circle of friends by denial of basic human and civil rights. Among the deleterious effects are lack of access to proper basic health care.
62
"Primarily poor non-violent and guilty of illegal drug possession, property crimes and other minor offenses that similarly situated whites are not prosecuted for nor sent to prison. "
For heaven's sakes! Let's let these guys out stat then!
For heaven's sakes! Let's let these guys out stat then!
2
As a volunteer for several AIDS organizations throughout the years and a lifelong resident in a predominantly Black community, I have been amazed at the levels of denial and ignorance about HIV and AIDS in Black communities. To the persons with power in those communities, specifically preachers, politicians, and entertyainers, HIV and AIDS early on became associated with homosexuality. And despite years of evidence that HIV is a devastating health crisis for Black women, men, and children, the topic still gets little attention from the people with power to educate and change behaviors. It is simply not talked about--in the community, in churches, in the media, among entertainers, you name it.
151
The high incidence of HIV among African Americans is rarely discussed and the causes need to be determined.
Usually people blame the social phenomenon they like least, which is the case in this piece.
We need solid epidemiological research to determine the cause, or causes, of the high HIV incidence in the black community. That would be the first step in an effective prevention effort, which is overdue by decades.
Usually people blame the social phenomenon they like least, which is the case in this piece.
We need solid epidemiological research to determine the cause, or causes, of the high HIV incidence in the black community. That would be the first step in an effective prevention effort, which is overdue by decades.
37
Way, way too many African-American men are incarcerated.
But nowhere in this op-ed do I see mentioned the shaming, stigmatizing role played by African-American churches in discussions of gay sex.
No wonder so many are in denial.
But nowhere in this op-ed do I see mentioned the shaming, stigmatizing role played by African-American churches in discussions of gay sex.
No wonder so many are in denial.
89
Most of the way, way too many African-American men incarcerated are there because they chose to engage in illegal behavior. If one breaks the law, gets caught, and is put into prison, that is not injustice; if one is imprisoned without breaking the law that would be.
25
Brazenly bizarre. We know with 100% certainty that AIDS is a preventable disease if individuals take the well documented steps to prevent themselves getting infected. Getting AIDS is not Einstein’s spooky action at a distance – it is a sexually transmitted disease. And yet the author argues we should not “blame the victim”. Who else are we going to blame? Brazenly bizarre.
71
Nearly every disease, from diabetes to cancer to hypertension, is preventable, yet we don't spend our time blaming anyone. Why are sexually transmitted disease different?
11
EC - Where have you been? We certainly blame people for the diseases they intentionally inflict on their bodies. Diabetes - over eating, cancer - smoking, hypertension - weight, diet. When the causes are known yet ignored who do you blame?
19
If you know the exact causes of diabetes (over a 1/3 of all diabetics are normal weight at time of diagnosis), cancer (the vast majority of smokers do NOT get cancer and the largest population of lung cancer victims never smoked) and hypertension (let me guess you think salt intake causes it) then you need to present your data. There is a Nobel waiting for you if you actually have the data to backup the nonsense you saying.
P.S. How do I know these things? It's the Ph.D. in cell biology.
P.S. How do I know these things? It's the Ph.D. in cell biology.
12
Where is the research from the Medical Community?
Does the NIH have a position on this issue?
The article is troubling and makes the case that this issue needs attention from the Medical and political communities.
Does the NIH have a position on this issue?
The article is troubling and makes the case that this issue needs attention from the Medical and political communities.
5
I suspect that the infection rate might still have to do with gay or any non-hetero sexual contact still being a verboten subject among much of the Black community, wiht extreme stigma attached, just as it is in a huge section of the older ( whitish) community. When a woman can ask a partner about his history - or demand use of condoms or even testing before unprotected sex, in order to protect herself, that will be a major step necessary. The black male incarceration rate is abominable, but correcting that without being clear that AIDS is a risk for unprotected sex with anyone who has had more than a single, uninfected partner is not going to help. And changing our criminal 'justice' system is too long a process to protect women now.
42
Another suggestion is AIDS testing within prisons. That would eliminate or greatly reduce ex-cons unknowingly spreading the disease.
Then there is the obviously solution of not being promiscuous and using protection against AIDS.
Then there is the obviously solution of not being promiscuous and using protection against AIDS.
29
Perhaps the philosopher can explain how an "outraged outcry" will persuade individual men and women to engage in safe sex rather than unprotected sex with strangers whose health condition is unknown to them.
54
This is a question of public health, not a contest to see who can scold people in the most pinch-mouthed fashion.
25
Not everyone gets HIV from strangers and one may not understand all the health details of their partners.
Let's stop the blame game; it's one of the main reasons for stigma
Let's stop the blame game; it's one of the main reasons for stigma
17
Prisons seem to be wild and badly managed places: injectable drugs, tattoos, sexual assault, coercive sex .... Until prisons get their act together and also thereafter, black women (as the article refers to them) should be very, very careful with whom they have sex.
49
BARNEY FRANK Got it right in his observation that Republicans think that life begins at conception and ends at birth. That the highest rates of HIV transmission, according to the writer, occurs among African American men and their partners, female and male is yet another example of the GOP disregard for their Right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, as guaranteed in the Declaration of Independence. It's as if the GOP is pondering, How shall we persecute African Americans and persons of color? Let us count the ways: No access to health care; inadequate prenatal, infant and childcare options underfunding schools in poor areas; underfunding needle exchange programs for users of IV drugs; refusing to support scientifically effective sex education in school (Guess what, folks: Nancy Reagan's stroke of genius, Just Say No to sex and drugs has been a horrific failure!); high rates of incarceration; lack of safe sex programs in prisons; police violence toward persons of color (shown on videos & described in the media). I'm sure the list is much longer than that. Once again, the we see that the GOP is most definitively not to be Lincoln's GOP. In my selective high school class of 1965, about 10% were African Americans, yet that group represents about 1/3 of the members who had died during the 50 years since graduation. They were highly intelligent, talented and educated men, among the best and the brightest. I wish they had lived longer. The GOP strikes again!
18
This is not new information to anyone who has been working in the HIV epidemic. There never were enough males infected via IV drug use to account for the number of women infected, particularly in the Black community. This was easily observed from the beginning from the infection data collected. It wasn't difficult to fathom that the infections among Black women were from men who were also having sex with men whether while incarcerated or not. Many forget about "on the down low" and its devastating impact on communities where males refuse to own their sexual orientation. Yes there are stigma issues involved here, but they are the same regardless of ones race/ethnicity: potential loss of employment, potential loss of faith community relationships, potential loss of familial relationships, etc. etc. We are approaching the 35th anniversary of the identification of the first cases of HIV infection. When will we learn to be honest about the role human sexuality and all the baggage that carries has played in this epidemic? Until we reach that level of honesty, we will continue to face increasing infections. I really do not care what someone's sexual orientation or even activities might be. But at least be honest about what you do and protect your sex partners.
118
The author is a philosopher, and the article makes numerous jumps and assumptions that would be better served if examined by a trained epidemiologist. As it stands, the article reads like a political screed in defense of a chosen population, masquerading as a scientific public health analysis.
The data regarding that population is real; but a social philosopher is not equipped nor qualified to actually empirically track down these whys and hows. Philosophers are notorious for glossing empirical facts to serve speculative theses, and so the author's cause is not well-served by such admittedly good intentions: good intentions, and whatever social critical theories philosophers are bandying about these days in the ivory tower, are no substitute for hard science, and the rigor only a scientific approach, with its peer reviewed way of doing things, can bring to bear.
The data regarding that population is real; but a social philosopher is not equipped nor qualified to actually empirically track down these whys and hows. Philosophers are notorious for glossing empirical facts to serve speculative theses, and so the author's cause is not well-served by such admittedly good intentions: good intentions, and whatever social critical theories philosophers are bandying about these days in the ivory tower, are no substitute for hard science, and the rigor only a scientific approach, with its peer reviewed way of doing things, can bring to bear.
71
I notice you have no facts of your own to share.
7
Cheap Jim - He doesn't need any since he didn't write the article published in a very respectable newspaper! But he would and so would we all expect the author to use facts to bolster his opinions.
10
Jim, when a movie critic rebuts the authenticity of a fact-based movie based on depiction rather than events [only then are] the facts are called into question.
4
This is an important article. But while the headline asks, 'why are so many black women dying of AIDS?,' the article focuses almost exclusively on HIV incidence (not AIDS morbidity and mortality rates). HIV is a treatable infection, so quite apart from the epidemiology of new infections, the article should address in more detail and with more analysis why black women living with HIV are not receiving effective care. Otherwise the headline should have read: 'Why Are So Many Black Women Contracting HIV?'
100
Absolutely correct. HIV infection is a matter of public education, social engagement, and access to condoms. AIDS mortality is much more a matter of individual healthcare, both access to and the commitment to follow a treatment regimine.
The piece asks an important question, but then meanders.
The piece asks an important question, but then meanders.
7
One might expect that prostitutes have a much higher risk factor than those not so engaged. If the sex market presses for unprotected sex, it is surely more likely to occur.
Are white women as likely to engage in prostitution as blacks?
Are white women as likely to engage in prostitution as blacks?
7
By 1990, multiple studies established that sex workers are NOT "vectors of HIV/AIDS" for the hetero community. In fact, there is evidence that sex workers are *more* likely to engage in safe sex practices than the general population. Since prostitution is criminalized in (most of) the United States, there is no representative demographic data -- sex workers include men, women, and transgender people, from a range of racial/ethnic backgrounds. Because of structural poverty and racism, street-based sex workers are more often persons of color (but street based sex work is only 2-20 % of all prostitution, by most estimates).
8
Having worked with women incarcerated for drug offenses, I can tell you that many of them worked as prostitutes to get drugs. Many of them were HIV+, and many had Hepatitis.
9
The first thing let's do is put out the news that one of the many things government cannot do is prevent you from harming yourself.
47
Thank you for bringing attention to this truly outrageous health disparity. A related disparity is knowledge of and access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP brand name Truvada), which when taken everyday can reduce transmission of HIV by up to 99% in clinical studies -- but these widely cited results are based on studies that included men who have sex with men and transgender women, but not cis-heterosexual women. Among affluent gay men, PrEP is an active topic of conversation. But when I recently lead a women's health class at the San Francisco County Jail, none of the incarcerated women had knowledge of PrEP/Truvada despite history of drug use, partners with HIV, and sex work. We need to include high risk women in clinical trials and conversations about new HIV prevention measures, including PrEP. http://betablog.org/woman-centered-hiv-prevention/
17
Simultaneity is not causality. Without knowing the frequency of acquisition of HIV infection in prisons or the distribution of sexual and intravenous drug contacts among women in neighborhoods with sizeable numbers of previously incarcerated men, this is all just speculation. Among other factors, the rise of "gangsta" culture making former prisoners more desirable during the same period could equally well help explain the problem.
21
Seems pretty clear to me where this liberal discovery of a new victimhood is heading: No punishment for crime unless you are a White person.
The better solution would be to prevent sexual contact in prison by isolating all prisoners from each other. [That would also have the benefit of giving the prisoners some time to think about penitence, the original intent of a "penitentiary."]
The better solution would be to prevent sexual contact in prison by isolating all prisoners from each other. [That would also have the benefit of giving the prisoners some time to think about penitence, the original intent of a "penitentiary."]
16
But "isolating all prisoners" would cost big bucks. I assume you don't want to pay higher taxes for that.
8
"We also need to insist that condoms be distributed inside all prisons, and that incarcerated individuals have access to H.I.V. testing and treatment before and after their release." These are good ideas. It would be even better to provide free condoms, H.I.V. testing and treatment to all Americans.
"there are higher than average rates of sexual assault and coercive sex among men in prison." Our incarceration system needs to be revamped to end this epidemic barbarism we have accepted throughout our history. So, before creating or extending yet another tax loophole that benefits the rich, we need to increase the funding of our prisons so they can be improved, in order to safeguard those of us with the misfortune of ending up in prison.
"there are higher than average rates of sexual assault and coercive sex among men in prison." Our incarceration system needs to be revamped to end this epidemic barbarism we have accepted throughout our history. So, before creating or extending yet another tax loophole that benefits the rich, we need to increase the funding of our prisons so they can be improved, in order to safeguard those of us with the misfortune of ending up in prison.
19
Our citizens are shocked when rape is used as a weapon of war, but jokes are made all the time,
even in the NYT comments section this week, about prison rape. It is time to look at failure to prevent prison rape as a crime against humanity.
even in the NYT comments section this week, about prison rape. It is time to look at failure to prevent prison rape as a crime against humanity.
59
It is hard to have sympathy for people who have all these problems which are clearly a result of bad behavior on their part. I suggest that they don't do drugs and commit the crimes that get them incarcerated. Get married and don't have extramarital sex. It is impossible to get AIDS if you only have sex with one person. It is our duty to lead responsible and productive lives. If you don't, you reap what you sow.
48
It is impossible to get AIDS if you only have sex with one person, if that person only has sex with you, or if you can avoid being born with the infection, don't share needles (this includes the (true, very) occasional case of transmission by unethical tattoo artists, dentists or during mass vaccination events - and avoid blood transfusions.
14
It seems obvious that the excessive incarceration of blacks ensures that a high percentage of incarcerated blacks with HIV havng sex with other black inmates will result in more black women developing AIDs. Refusing contraceptives to inmates based on religious or moral reasons creates the very problem that needs to be resolved.
12
Women of all colors are dying of AIDS because too many men are selfish. They're fine with condoms if it helps them get into bed with a woman. Then a little while later, still in bed, they don't want to use another condom. How is a woman supposed to handle that? She can't force him to use a condom. How does she stop that man, whos in still her bed, who she loves, who wants more sex but without a condom? Is she supposed to just scream her head off about it and hope someone comes to her rescue?
I've known men who gave AIDS to women on purpose. They just dont care. If you bring up the subject, the men deny knowing they had AIDS. Some of them try to weasel out of their responsibility in the matter by saying they don't have 'AIDS' they just have 'HIV.' Someone needs to make it crystal clear that being infected with HIV means that you can transmit HIV. The guys are trying to build a myth that says you can't give someone HIV unless you have full blown AIDS.
I've known men who gave AIDS to women on purpose. They just dont care. If you bring up the subject, the men deny knowing they had AIDS. Some of them try to weasel out of their responsibility in the matter by saying they don't have 'AIDS' they just have 'HIV.' Someone needs to make it crystal clear that being infected with HIV means that you can transmit HIV. The guys are trying to build a myth that says you can't give someone HIV unless you have full blown AIDS.
24
The Prison Rape Elimination Act [2003] is a tiger with no teeth as is the 2012 Commission that merely provides recommendations. All vapor and no substance. Our U.S. inmate population has only the legal "protections" that on any given day, prison staff are inclined to oblige; do we really believe anyone from the Warden- down, really cares about eliminating inmate sex and the residual effects?
7
From the Hillary quote, it seems that this is another op-ed sent from her campaign to show HRC's involvement with a target group.
7
Mytwocents, even if what you say is true (and I don't believe it is) do you think other candidates don't "target groups"? If not, you are naive.
8
Also, with so many black males in prison, black women are probably sharing sex partners more than is the case for white women.
Thus, a single, infectious black male could infect a number of his black, female partners concurrently.
Thus, a single, infectious black male could infect a number of his black, female partners concurrently.
20
Addressed in the article:
"In addition, high incarceration rates substantially reduce the number of men in black communities and rupture social relationships, which may increase the number of concurrent sexual partners each man has."
"In addition, high incarceration rates substantially reduce the number of men in black communities and rupture social relationships, which may increase the number of concurrent sexual partners each man has."
9
The question is, will white America embrace the HIV/Aids epidemic that is harming black women and the black community writ large as a public health issue as they have with respect to the rise in the heroin overdoses now affecting white communities?
10
Yet another way in which the unfair incarceration of black men has ravished the black community. Bringing HIV/AIDS from prison into the community. When will these injustices end?
3
Thank you for bring this issue to my attention. Infection rates that are 20 times higher for black women is staggering. But I'm not sure what use an "outraged outcry" will achieve other than embarrass communities and invite scorn from the intollerant. This matter needs to be dealt with swiftly and quietly by health departments informing and educating woman in communities most at risk. Its a tall order to fix the prison system but the problem can be solved over night if women come together and agree to practice more safe sex to get the infection rates under control.
6
The women? What about the men? Oh right, women are solely responsible for practicing safe sex.
17
The reason is pretty simple. The men in their lives have acquired AIDS either in prison or on the "down low" and have brought it home with them. The AIDS rate in the Black population is out of sight, and it is all due to sexual behavior.
Nobody gets this disease from dirty glasses -- it comes from incautious and irresponsible sexual contact in the first pace and then misplaced trust in the second. What it would take to stem this incredible tide of death and destruction is to dramatically restrain impulsive behavior and inculcate a strong sense of responsibility -- neither of which seems to have worked very well.
AIDS rates are even higher in African nations and in some cases involve substantial percentages of the population. You can talk all you want about prejudice, bigotry, profiling, bias and racial injustice but the transmission of AIDS involves one of the most private behaviors. It usually (but not always) involves a voluntary act between people who are making choices. Without strong moral leadership in the Black community this is only going to get worse and destroy more Black lives -- and these Black lives matter just as much as those taken by police.
Nobody gets this disease from dirty glasses -- it comes from incautious and irresponsible sexual contact in the first pace and then misplaced trust in the second. What it would take to stem this incredible tide of death and destruction is to dramatically restrain impulsive behavior and inculcate a strong sense of responsibility -- neither of which seems to have worked very well.
AIDS rates are even higher in African nations and in some cases involve substantial percentages of the population. You can talk all you want about prejudice, bigotry, profiling, bias and racial injustice but the transmission of AIDS involves one of the most private behaviors. It usually (but not always) involves a voluntary act between people who are making choices. Without strong moral leadership in the Black community this is only going to get worse and destroy more Black lives -- and these Black lives matter just as much as those taken by police.
83
Yes. In the black communities in the USA the churches and leaders need to be open and forthright about HIV/AIDS and sexuality. And need to be equipped to easily, directly, without great expense provide medical services for testing, prevention and treatment.
8
As a physician who treats many of these prisoners I would mention that many of the patients I see do not want to be tested for HIV or Hep C. They get a choice. In addition I have suggested to them many times that they stop doing home grown tattooing with shared needles and I have often heard them say that if the authorities provided them with clean needles they probably would not tattoo so much. When an activity is forbidden it is much more fun, I suppose. They tell me they don't want to be tested for HIV or Hep C because "I already know I must have them" and I sense that they don't want to have to feel guilty about infecting others. When they get out they are so fit and wonderful looking after working out all day for years these guys are hard for women to resist. Many are sociopaths.who not only look great but are great talkers. Many are in denial about their blood status and they spread their bodily fluid around. That many prisoners are sociopaths that can attract and control women was illustrated in upstate New York last summer.
123
Lack of contraceptive use plays a big role. Due to early death and high incarceration rates, black men are outnumbered by black women. In addition, many black women do not get in relationships with men of other backgrounds. Therefore, as scarce commodities, the men set the terms of engagement, including having more than one sex partner and requiring intercourse without condoms.
12
Based on Shrage's theory, one aspect appears to be missing, raising the question if "non" African-American females whom are incarcerated, are these women infected at same rate as African -American females in prison, or do they just happen not to partake in riskier habits and sexual activity?
3
Its mostly about the incarcerated men who get out and infect women. It is much rarer for female-female sexual activity to generate the blood contact that infects with the HIV virus. Of course shared needles do the same regardless of sex.
6
This is harrowing to read and heart-breaking; condemning an unsuspecting population to illness and possible early death outside prison and denying those released from prison the basic health care they need to deal for a condition that may have been caused by their incarceration. Even more disturbing are the alarming statistics that reveal entire communities are at risk. Surely as important as the passage of civil rights were in the 60s toward establishing a moral platform for equal protections under the law, new civil rights are needed to eliminate the injustice and systemic abuse of people in prison--and the further erosion of communities that embrace them when they come out. Thank for your work, Ms. Shrage, and this column on this urgent and pressing issue.
26
What about safe sex?
19