February 28 marks HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day, first observed in 2022 by the Sero Project and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. The 2025 theme, “You care about ending HIV criminalization. You just don’t know it yet,” urges action against outdated laws.
Despite medical advancements, over 30 U.S. states still prosecute people based on their HIV status, leading to unjust imprisonment and increased sentences. This awareness day amplifies the voices of those affected and pushes for legal reforms to decriminalize HIV status. Supporters can learn more and take action at hiv.gov.
