HIV/AIDS

• Urges the U.S. Government to implement legislation, policies, programs, and international agreements that address or are relevant to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in a manner consistent with international human rights law and science-based prevention, care, support, and treatment objectives. Also endorses and urges the timely accomplishment of human rights and other achievement targets set forth in the United Nations Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, dated June 2001.
  Approved February 2004

• Supports federal legislation that acknowledges individuals’ rights to privacy of their health care information and protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable health information from any source including medical record, electronic data, and genetic material. Jointly presented with the Commission on the Legal Problems of the Elderly. Related recommendations sponsored by the Section Approved (2/96) and Withdrawn (8/98).
  Approved as revised February 1999

• States that in order to further scientifically based public health objectives to reduce HIV infection and other blood-borne diseases, and in support of our long-standing opposition to substance abuse, the American Bar Association supports the removal of legal barriers to the establishment and operation of approved needle exchange programs that include a component of drug counseling and drug treatment referrals.
  Approved August 1997

• Urges federal and state governments to enact a policy of compassionate release and alternative sentencing for terminally ill, nonviolent offenders. Cosponsored by the National Lesbian and Gay Law Association.
  Approved August 1996

• Supports action that would educate and allow people with debilitating, chronic, fatal illnesses (i.e., HIV, AIDS) to better plan for long-term care. Presented jointly by the Section of Family Law, the Steering Committee on Unmet Legal Needs of Children, the Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law, and the Chicago Council of Lawyers. Cosponsored by the Young Lawyers Division.
  Approved August 1995

• Endorse the U.S. Sentencing Commission recommendation to amend federal sentencing guidelines to (a) eliminate differences in sentences based upon drug quantity for offenses involving crack and powder cocaine, and (b) assign greater weight in drug offense sentencing to other factors. Presented jointly with the Special Committee on the Drug Crisis. Cosponsored by the Standing Committee on Unmet Legal Needs of Children.
  Approved as Amended August 1995

• Clarification of policy statement (8/89) regarding the confidentiality of AIDS-related information. Jointly presented with the Young Lawyers Division.
  Approved February 1990

• Supports federal, state, and local legislation promoting responsible public policy relating to HIV/AIDS. Jointly presented with the Litigation Section, the Section of Tort and Insurance Practice, the Criminal Justice Section, the Commission on Mental and Physical Disability and the Young Lawyers Division.
  Approved as Amended August 1989

• Supports the enactment of federal legislation promoting voluntary counseling and testing for AIDS; mandating the confidentiality of such testing; and prohibiting discrimination against individuals with HIV/AIDS. Jointly presenting with the Young Lawyers Division.
  Approved as Amended February 1988

For more information on HIV/AIDS, please visit the AIDS Coordinating Committee Homepage.