Massachusetts
bill would force HIV tests on criminal suspects

A bill introduced in the Massachusetts legislature by Gov. Mitt Romney would force those suspected of committing rape or sexual assault to undergo HIV antibody testing if the victim requests it, The Boston Globe reports. Anyone indicted or formally charged for such a crime would be unable to refuse testing, according to the measure. Romney says the law is needed to allow victims of rape or sexual assault to immediately begin a monthlong course of anti-HIV drugs that can block HIV infection if the suspect is HIV-positive. AIDS advocates and some lawyers, however, say the bill will do little to help crime victims because antiretroviral drugs, to be effective as a prophylactic measure, must be started within 72 hours of exposure to the virus and it is unlikely the criminal justice system will be able to react quickly enough to meet such a deadline. (Advocate.com)