These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Women and AIDS. Punishing the victims in India.
    Author: Natarajan S.
    Journal: Newsl Womens Glob Netw Reprod Rights; 1991; (37):16-8. PubMed ID: 12317334.
    Abstract:
    The plight of HIV positive women illegally detained in a remand home in India for an undetermined period due to their HIV status is described. Detention was originally received due to infractions of the Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act (PITA). The rationale for continued detention after sentences were served was to prevent the spread of infection to others and to provide medical care. Women detained were interviewed in March 1989. The initial difficulties encountered were gaining access to the women since the press had been banned. After permission was granted, there were restrictions on cameras or tape recorders and the superintendent was to be present at all times. The 1st meeting was heralded by a call for all the AIDs women to come to the office. There were several passionate outburst demanding release and return to their families and small children. The illegal nature of the detention was recognized by authorities but justified because of the women being considered "pools of infection" and a "threat to society." There was no recognition of the means of transmission of HIV infection or the nature of HIV/AIDs by authorities. These prostitutes were infected by HIV-positive men paying to have sex with them. Condoms were not routinely used because prostitutes were unaware of the risk of an incurable disease, and felt that required condom use for paid sex would lead to beatings and loss of work. In conversations with brothel owners, the attitude was that the women were medically well until they became ill; in which case, the women were replaced. There was no recognition that the client could be ill and spread disease or HIV infection. Prostitutes were also concerned that the crime ignored the client, the pimp, and brothel owners. In fact, prostitution is legal, but soliciting in a public place is illegal. In November 1989, the public prosecutor was contacted about the illegal detention, but it was not until a writ of habeas corpus was filed in March 1990 seeking release of 5 of the women, that a response was given. The authorities stated that the girls had requested medical treatment; an advocate commissioner was appointed and determined that the detention was involuntary. The Madras high court ruled on July 17, 1990 for release, and kept no records of their whereabouts. No rehabilitation or education was ever provided, and there is no effort being made to protect prostitutes from infection.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]