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HIV Disclosure

WHAI is working with communities across Ontario to build capacity so that women living with HIV have control over how and why their HIV status is disclosed.

ABOUT HIV DISCLOSURE

HIV Disclosure refers to how, when, and why a woman's HIV status is disclosed.

Having the autonomy to make informed choices about HIV disclosure plays a key role in creating a sense of safety and dignity, and strongly influences how women feel about accessing programs and services, which in turn, impacts their health outcomes.

In WHAI’s 2016 community consultations, women identified disclosure as an important area of learning for themselves, other community members, and care providers (such as healthcare providers and workers at community organizations).

out of 16
communities in the WHAI Network identified HIV disclosure as an issue when consulted in our 2016 Situational Analysis.

Women and HIV: A Disclosure Toolkit for Service Providersopens in a new window

THE IMPACT OF DISCLOSURE

Being knowledgeable about privacy can be a key factor in breaking down stigma and building positive relationships with women living with HIV.

Women who disclosed their HIV status in a positive and supportive environment reported an increased sense of community connectedness, access to useful and important healthcare services and supports, and an increased sense of autonomy to support other people living with HIV.

Disclosure and the Law

“With these laws, I gave up on dating. I don’t want to go to jail.”

— Woman living with HIV, Ontario

"... you know when their medications are ready, the pharmacists says 'so and so, your HIV meds are ready' over the PA system. They end up walking out because they are not gonna go up there."

— Woman living with HIV, Ontario

"I was in the ER... after I told the nurse she started loudly asking me questions in relation to my HIV and I just wanted the floor to swallow me up."

— Woman living with HIV, Ontario

WHAT IS WHAI DOING?

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WHAI helps build the capacity of service providers to handle confidential information and build positive and supportive relationships with women living with HIV.

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WHAI builds awareness and knowledge about existing HIV Disclosure resources.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAI DISCLOSURE TOOLKIT

Brochure

Know Your Rights: Disclosure, Privacy, and Parenting

The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network's resource on laws regarding HIV disclosure, privacy, and parenting.

Brochure

Know Your Rights: Disclosure in School and Daycare

The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network resource on laws regarding HIV disclosure in school and daycare settings.

Report

The Criminalization of HIV Non-Disclosure in Canada

The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network's report on the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure in Canada.

Toolkit

Negotiating Disclosure: The HIV Sero-Status Disclosure Toolkit

Women's Health in Women's Hands: The HIV Sero-Status Disclosure Toolkit for organizations, service providers, and peers.

Toolkit, WHAI Resource

WHAI Disclosure Toolkit for Service Providers

This resource outlines information about HIV disclosure for service providers.