Ethical Implications of Social Stigma Associated with the Promotion and Use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention

• Published in: LGBT health Vol. 3; no. 2; p. 103
• Main Author: Herron, Patrick D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.04.2016
• Subjects: Anti-HIV Agents - administration & dosage; Clinical Trials as Topic - ethics; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV Infections - prevention & control; HIV Infections - psychology; Homosexuality, Male - psychology; Humans; Male; Morals; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis - ethics; Social Stigma; United States; Unsafe Sex - ethics; Unsafe Sex - prevention & control; Unsafe Sex - psychology; HIV/AIDS; men who have sex with men (MSM); ethics; pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); social stigma
• ISSN: 2325-8306
• DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2014.0114

Identifying sources of and eliminating social stigma associated with the promotion and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of sexually acquired HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) is both a moral imperative and necessary requirement to ensure that public health objectives of HIV prevention can be met. This article will examine and address ethical concerns and criticisms regarding the use of PrEP, barriers to its promotion, and use among MSM and examine the types of social stigma associated with PrEP. An ethical justification for both healthcare and LGBT communities to address and overcome social stigma regarding the use of PrEP among MSM is offered.