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Governor Paterson Vetoes Two Bills Critical to HIV/AIDS Community
Albany, NY — Last week, Governor David Paterson vetoed two pieces of legislation critical to the HIV/AIDS community and to those at greater risk for infection. Bill A.9915/ S.7306 would have provided Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to sexual assault survivors who are unable to afford such treatment themselves. PEP is a regimen of drugs designed to stop HIV seroconversion after a potential exposure to HIV, if begun within the first day or two following exposure.
The bill was structured in a way to alleviate the cost of PEP by providing financial assistance from the Crime Victim’s Board for those who are unable to pay through private insurance. The bill was first introduced this year by Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Rockland) and Senator Thomas Morahan (R-Rockland) and passed both houses. In this time of fiscal restraint in state government, Governor Paterson decided to gamble on the costs of this program. The fiscal implications of the bill are minimal and would only require approximately $80,000 from the state budget. This is far below the hundreds of thousands of dollars it would cost per person, to care for a sexual assault victim infected with HIV.
"We are disappointed and troubled that Governor Paterson vetoed this crucial legislation which would assist New Yorkers following a violent crime," said Dr. Marjorie J. Hill, Chief Executive Office of Gay Men’s Health Crisis. "This summer, we learned that HIV infection rates are 40% more than what the federal government was previously reporting. At a time of increased demand and severity, it is unconscionable to discount the use of any scientifically-proven HIV prevention tools. PEP treatment is a must in such horrific circumstances," added Dr. Hill.
Immediate availability of PEP treatment, without access obstacles, is vitally important following any potential exposure to HIV.
"Post-exposure prophylaxis is an important tool in our fight to stop the spread of HIV," said Barbara Johnston, MD, Director of Ambulatory HIV Medicine at St. Vincent’s Hospital. "Studies in animal models and in human cohorts with high-risk exposures show that when started promptly and used for a full 28 days, antiviral medication is effective in reducing the rates of transmission. The State program has helped hundreds of people at risk—victims of sexual assault, those with accidental needle exposures, and unintended sexual exposure. Failure to continue the program may lead to further increases in new HIV infections," added Johnston.
Secondly, Governor Paterson vetoed a bill related to prison health (A.8849/S.8508), which would require prisons to inform inmates upon release of locations to receive an HIV, as well as counseling if necessary.
The Governor claims adequate services already exist. However the fact that incarcerated populations nationally have an HIV infection rate five times that of the general population speaks otherwise.
Dr. Hill stated, "This is an ill advised move by the Governor that will not only harm inmates as they re-enter into society, but will adversely affect their friends and families throughout the communities to which they return. Providing this basic information can truly save lives."
Governor Paterson’s veto of these two pieces of legislation will leave some of New York’s most vulnerable residents with less knowledge and tougher choices leading to a greater incidence of HIV infection. GMHC hopes the legislature will once again consider this legislation and keep passing it until this Governor, or the next Governor, signs these bills.
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Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide prevention and care services to more than 15,000 men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City, and advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.
Our Mission: GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected.
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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