New York: Written HIV Consent at Issue in Albany's Dwindling Days

Ahead of the state Legislature's adjournment on June 23, New York lawmakers, AIDS advocates, and ministers gathered on May 28 in support of ending the requirement of written consent for HIV testing.

"It is only by making an offer of an HIV test a truly routine part of everyone's health care that those who may be HIV-positive and unaware of their infection will learn their status," Assembly member Annette Robinson said at City Hall press conference organized by Harlem United, the Latino Commission on AIDS, and the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS.

Robinson and Assembly member Darryl C. Towns have introduced separate bills that would end written consent. In the Senate, Shirley L. Huntley has introduced similar legislation.

Late testers, people who get an AIDS diagnosis within one year of being diagnosed with HIV, are a particular concern. "Eighty-five percent of late testers are African American and Latino," said Robinson. "Many of these late testers have been infected for ten years or longer, unknowingly exposing their partners to HIV."

Also in attendance were AIDS advocates representing some 40 programs that oppose abolishing written consent and favor bills sponsored by Sen. Thomas K. Duane and Assembly member Richard N. Gottfried. These measures would maintain written consent requirements but institute other steps to boost testing.

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