April 27th, 2017

Concealing the infection

STD disclosure unnecessary in many states

Madison Walther 
Journalism Student

Pamphlets on STDs. Photo: Madison Walther

 Imagine going to a party. A cute boy/girl is sitting by themselves. Approaching, nerves start to set in. The conversation becomes more interesting and laughs are echoing the room. Suddenly, it becomes more intimate. The next week is a annual doctor checkup. The doctor comes back with a pamphlet saying “When you have a  Sexual Transmitted Disease (STD)” Confusion and anger take over. Thoughts appear, it was only one time, it was only with one person.
  There are many STD infections that exist. Some are worse than others. The medical and health fields  are so much more advanced than back in the day, but every medicine in the world may not help everyone.
  According to Lawyers.com, there are no federal laws making it illegal for you not tell a partner about an STD you may have.
 There are many different types of sexual transmitted diseases. They vary with their effect on people, for example a person can not die from a case of herpes. Yes, it is an infection, but he or she is able to get medical help.
  HIV or AIDS can ruin a person's resistance to infection. Both of these viruses are in a person's body forever. Some ask themselves what is the difference of these infections. They also feel that it is not murder not telling them you have an STD.
  “ One has to consider if a person can be charged and convicted of murder since no one has died from HIV. They have died from AIDS-related illnesses that were the result of having HIV, but not that infection itself.” said Mr.Michael Cleffi, health teacher.
  Each state’s STD laws are different. If a person tells their partner about the infection, and the partner consents, the consequence is less serious. In other states, the law does not state that you have to tell a partner. However they have the full right to sue. It would not be necessary to tell a person about a past infection. If the infection is well taken care of one should not be obligated to tell your partner.
“Telling someone that you have an STD should be mandatory. If you knowingly and purposely transmit an STD it should be a criminal punishment.” Mr Bryan Callahan, health teacher.
  Throughout the world, people would think that theory is unfair. However certain STD’s are not as serious as others. Usually being told that you have an STD is scary. Most people do not think to hear the whole story, or in some cases just skip over the word “had”.
  Why would an individual have to go through that drama if they are cured? The mind goes straight to the thought of catching that infection. What people do not understand is that there are many classifications of the disease, and for the most part the infection will not be deadly.
  However, in the cases where the infection puts someone at risk, they should be warned. It really all depends on what kind of STD it is. Being warned about an STD is the best thing. Before or even after intercourse. This gives the partner time to go get checked out by a doctor and receive help if needed.
  Most people have to put themselves in the position of the  individual who has been affected. Being told that the body has an STD infection can freak a person out. Most do not think of this when they are being quiet about it. All they do is think about themselves and sexual activity. Admit that you have an infection. It is an infection, people usually cringe at the word. However the most important part is to think of everyone in the situation.

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