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Press Release Lesbians at Risk for HIV, GMHC Report ShowsJune 29, 2009 New York, NY -- On Thursday, June 25, Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) released a report on the vulnerability of lesbians, bisexuals and other women who have sex with women (WSW) to HIV infection, a complicated public health issue that is perplexing to some and ignored by many. The review of research found that while there are no documented cases of female-to-female HIV transmission, lesbians and bisexual women are still at risk of contracting HIV. Some homosexually active women also have sex with men or inject drugs. One 2005 study described in the GMHC report, found that lesbians and bisexual women are more likely to inject drugs than heterosexual women. Another study found lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to seek health care than heterosexual women, a risk factor for receiving a late HIV diagnosis. View Full Article Visit GMHC's website to find out more about their activities, publications and services.
Comment by: AAHIVS NP
(Hartford, CT)
Mon., Apr. 5, 2010 at 5:24 pm EDT I am a nurse practitioner in the Hartford, CT area. I am certified as a specialist in HIV and have been practicing in the field for over 30 years. I totally agree with the above article. I have had over 2 dozen WSW, single and in couples (discordant), in my practice. It is definitely not the label but the behavior that puts someone at risk for HIV. We must eradicate the "lesbian immunity" myth for the protection of all our community. Many of my patients are not "out" to the general public or to other health providers. We must never make assumptions about sexuality. Open, honest, respectful, non-judgemental health care information is what we all deserve and what we as providers should be offering all of our patients. Here's hoping to see an end to AIDS in my lifetime.
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