Documentary film screening with expert panel discussion

Hosted by the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and the Canadian AIDS Society

In less than 15 years, more than 130 people living with HIV in Canada have been charged with not disclosing their HIV-positive status to their sexual partners, including many cases where there was no significant risk of HIV transmission.  The over-use of the criminal law has contributed to a climate of anxiety, fear and misinformation that undermines HIV counselling, education and prevention efforts — and puts all Canadians at greater risk.

Women’s voices have rarely been heard on this important issue.  How does criminalization impact HIV-positive women in Canada, who are trying to live their lives in the shadow of stigma and fear?  Does the law actually protect women’s health? How do women feel about their experience with the criminal law with respect to HIV non-disclosure? 

To shed some light on this important and complex issue, join us for the world premiere screening of a new documentary produced by the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, giving voice to positive women and looking at how the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure affects them.  The screening will be followed by an expert panel discussion with an opportunity for questions from the audience.

About the documentary:

Through the personal stories of four women living with HIV in Canada, the film explores their experiences, feelings and opinions on the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure and how it impacts their lives.  These moving testimonials are supported by important insights from women working in public health and law.  In total, the film examines the appropriateness of criminal prosecution as a response to HIV exposure and questions whether criminalization is able to protect the health and well-being of women and men in Canada.   

Speakers:

-          Alison Duke, Film director, Goldelox Productions

-          Dr. Mark Tyndall, Head of Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital, Professor of Medicine, University of Ottawa

-          TBA

-          Moderator: Alison Symington, senior policy analyst, Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network