Studies have shown that the HIV rate in California's state prison system is nearly eight times that of the general population, with  unprotected sex between inmates serving a the primary route of transmission. The high rate of HIV infections in prisons is resulting in increased rates of HIV infection in the community once infected inmates are released.  These new cases disproportionately affect women and communities of color.  Despite these facts, condoms are illegal and considered contraband in California's prisons.

The Legislature has sent a bill, AB 1677 (Koretz) to Governor Schwarzenegger for his signature.  If the Governor signs it AB 1677 will permit non-profit or public health care agencies to distribute condoms in state prisons to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.  Similar programs in the United States and internationally have been proven to be effective and free of problems.

Please write Governor Schwarzenegger TODAY to ask him to sign this humane and sensible bill!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

HIV transmission among prison inmates continues at unacceptable and preventable levels in California and across the nation. In fact, studies have shown that the HIV infection rate in California prisons is nearly eight times that of the general population. Needless to say, many individuals who become HIV-infected in prison are released into communities where it is possible that they will transmit HIV to others. Women and communities of color are being disproportionately affected by this problem. Allowing access to condoms for the state's inmates will prevent infections in prison and in the community at large.

The skyrocketing HIV transmission rate in prisons is also damaging to California's budget. The Correctional HIV Consortium estimates that the health care cost for an HIV-positive inmate is $80,396 per year. Moreover, inmates who contract HIV in prison often end up on Medi-Cal or in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). In the 2002-03 fiscal year, the average annual treatment cost for an HIV infected Medi-Cal client was $22,964 and the average annual cost for a client in ADAP was $7,966.

In order to address this public health problem, I am asking you to sign AB 1677, which will make condoms available in prisons. Regardless of how one feels about sex between inmates, sex in prisons will continue. It is inhumane to subject prisoners - and by extension, members of the general public - to HIV infection when we can take a simple and inexpensive step to prevent it. It flies in the face of common sense to incur the public cost of preventable new HIV infections simply because of one's attitudes about sex in prison.

Condom distribution has been shown to be effective and without problem in prisons throughout the world. You have shown great leadership on HIV/AIDS issues as Governor. Signing AB 1677 into law would constitute another bold step toward more rational public policy in California.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
September 06, 2006