HIV Stigma and Discrimination in the U.S.:

Almost thirty years after the first cases of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were reported, ignorance and fear about HIV and bias against people affected by HIV continue to fuel stigma and discrimination in this country. Individuals living with HIV have been detrimentally affected in every aspect of life, including experiencing denial and termination of employment; denial of needed medical care; loss of insurance coverage; erosion of social support networks; eviction from homes; disruption of family relationships; social isolation; depression; unwarranted criminal prosecution; and excessive criminal sentences.