A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day".
This is a Senate resolution (non-binding) recognizing and supporting National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Originating in the 119th Congress and sponsored by Senators Blumenthal, Van Hollen, and Wyden, the measure lays out context about HIV among youth in the United States and calls for action by federal, state, and local governments, schools, public health agencies, and communities. It emphasizes the rights of young people affected by HIV to education, prevention, treatment, and care; promotes current, accurate HIV information in sex education (including PrEP); urges the removal of laws that unfairly criminalize youth with HIV; and advocates for youth-friendly health services, greater funding for key HIV programs, stigma reduction, and leadership by youth in decision-making. It also warns against policies that restrict bodily autonomy, arguing they hinder HIV prevention and testing. As a resolution, it expresses the sense of the Senate and encourages action, but it does not itself create new law or funding. Any changes to programs or new authorities would require separate legislation or appropriations.
Key Points
- 1The Senate supports the goals and ideals of National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and urges government, schools, and media to recognize and back the day.
- 2It highlights data on youth HIV, disparities (notably among African-American youth and young gay/bisexual men), and the need for tailored medical and support services, while affirming the rights of young people to education, prevention, treatment, and a life free from stigma and discrimination.
- 3The resolution promotes up-to-date, inclusive, medically accurate HIV information in sex education, including information about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
- 4It supports removing HIV laws that are scientifically inaccurate and that criminalize youth for behaviors that are consensual or pose no transmission risk.
- 5It calls for youth-friendly, accessible health care services (including PrEP, PEP, and antiretroviral therapy) and testing without parental consent, and for stronger connections to care and treatment, along with increased funding for key HIV programs and services.