Latest by Martha Kempner

Newest Abortion Restrictions May Affect HIV Screening and Care
Creating stigma for abortions may have a chilling effect on those seeking any sexual health care.

First Kidney Transplant From Donor Living With HIV Challenges Longstanding Stigma
"Society perceives me and people like me as people who bring death," said Nina Martinez, the first HIV-positive organ donor. "And I can't figure out any better way to show that people like me can bring life."

Planned Parenthood Affiliates Extend Transgender Health Care Services Across the Country
As part of a larger initiative to better serve the needs of transgender patients, Planned Parenthood affiliates in 21 states now offer gender-affirming hormone therapy to transgender patients.

Activists Demand Gilead Rescind nPEP Patient Access Program's Once-Per-Lifetime Use Limit
Gilead Sciences is coming under fire from HIV/AIDS activist groups for a recent change to its patient assistance program, imposing a once-per-lifetime limit on access to Truvada as part of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP).

Can Tick Saliva Reduce Heart Disease in People With HIV?
Some scientists believe that the very thing that makes ticks good at spreading disease -- their saliva -- might also be able to reduce heart disease in people living with HIV.

'Glaringly Obvious' Aetna Letter Exposed HIV Information of 12,000 People Through Envelope
"If they sent that to somebody who is positive and their family doesn't know, I can't imagine the depth of harm that could be caused by such a ridiculously dumb mistake," said one of the recipients of the letter.

Good Communication Strategies to Make HIV Care Click
Being able to hold open, honest conversations with your providers is vital to good health. That's why it's important to feel at ease with your providers -- even in discussions that can make either or both of you uneasy.

Female Condoms, Used by Women and Men for HIV Prevention, Will Now Be Prescription Only
The oft-overlooked method may now cost as much as $20 per condom for the uninsured, if they can't get it through health departments or non-profit groups.

Mississippi to Start Charging for HIV and STI Testing
What's up next for the poorest state in the United States, where communities are battling a mounting HIV epidemic with scarce resources? Fees for HIV tests. And no one thinks it's a good idea.

Fear That Parents Might Find Out Stops Some Kids From Getting Tested for STIs
Confidentiality issues are getting in the way for some young people who admitted that they avoid sexual health services out of fear that their parents will find out.