Alabama and South Carolina are the last two states to segregate and put blanket restrictions on H.I.V.-positive inmates, says the New York Times. Yesterday, the American Civil Liverties Union and Human Rights Watch called for change, saying the policies violate federal and international guidelines.
Infected prisoners' chances of early release and help in re-entering society are harmed, the groups charged. South Carolina bars them from participating in work-release, for example, and Alabama limits such opportunities. Prison officials in the states say that segregation is necessary to prevent the spread of H.I.V. and provide specialized medical care.