A bill that would allow condoms to be distributed in California prisons has passed the state Assembly and now moves to the Senate, officials said Thursday. Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Oakland, argues that his Prisoner Protections for Family and Community Health Act or AB 999 will help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
While sexual activity among prisoners is deemed illegal, it does occur, Bonta has said. Prisoners who have had unprotected sex may be putting partners and others in the community at risk when they are released from incarceration.
"Sexually transmitted disease is a tragic reality of life in prisons," Bonta said in a statement. "The HIV/AIDS infection rate in prison is 8 to 10 times higher than among the general population. Our state must address this unsettling and sometimes disturbing topic head-on and realize that the long-term benefits to vulnerable communities, and to the budget, are well worth the modest state investment,"
AB 999 included results of a pilot program conducted inside Solano State Prison in 2008 that showed that when condoms are distributed, they are used.
Bonta said the California Department of Health Services estimates the average cost per patient with HIV in the Medi-Cal system is $23,964 per year. The cost to distribute condoms is $1.39 per prisoner to implement.
Condoms already have been available in jails in Los Angeles County.
Support for the bill includes the AIDS Project Los Angeles, Women Organized to Respond to Life-threatening Diseases, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the California Academy of Preventive Medicine, California Prevention and Education Project, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, Taxpayers for Improving Public Safety, Allen Temple Health & Social Services Ministries, and Legal Services for Prisoners with Children.
Meanwhile, a bill requiring the use of condoms on adult film production sets across California has stalled in the state Assembly after it was shelved in the Appropriations Committee.
via San Jose Mercury News http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_23357225/bill-distribute-condoms-california-prisons-advances
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