It is imperative to provide treatment to rape and sexual assault victims who are at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS.

The Senate has passed my legislation, S.3200, which will enable survivors of sexual assault who have undergone a forensic rape exam to receive a seven day starter pack of HIV PEP treatment and, with their consent, medical follow up related to the PEP treatment.

This bill will ensure a rape or sexual assault victim is provided with appropriate medical follow up, and will make PEP treatment more accessible, decrease the likelihood that victims will become infected with the virus, and ultimately save the state millions of dollars in treatment costs by preventing potential HIV/AIDS cases.

The bill was passed unanimously (62-0) by the Senate on May 15, 2012, and had previously been passed by the Assembly.  The bill now awaits the Governor’s action.