David Weldon: “I will point out that it did occur prior to the development of a stronger body of knowledge on how to prevent HIV…”

“I will point out that it did occur prior to the development of a stronger body of knowledge on how to prevent HIV infection. The article that I cited that this legislation is based on was published in 1997 prior to the Virginia statute being implemented, and the authors of this article appropriately point out that for HIV prophylaxis to occur, it needs to be initiated within 72 hours. I also would point out that many States currently already comply with the provisions in this law, including my home State of Florida, and there have not been problems with release of information to the public. I would also like to point out that any inappropriate distribution of information on HIV testing that was to be given by any legal professionals, then those people would be subject to the standard disciplinary actions that currently are in place. Therefore, I feel that this is clearly a case of balancing the greater good. I believe the greater good is to protect the right of victims in this case because of the potential to save life. I urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation.”