HIV Positive Sperm Bank Launches to 'Reduce the Stigma'

This it is, the stupidest thing I have heard in a while, and that's saying a lot because I have kept up with the Democratic debates....the world's first HIV positive sperm bank launched in New Zealand in order to 'reduce the stigma' of HIV.

I don't think introducing others to a virus will help reduce the stigma to those already living with it. It will just create more people sick with the virus. Maybe their motto is, "If you can't beat them, then join them"? In which case, it's a moronic motto.

Yahoo reports: 

Sperm Positive has begun with three male donors from across New Zealand who are living with HIV but have an undetectable viral load, meaning the amount of the virus in a person's blood is so low that it cannot be detected by standard methods.

Although this does not mean the HIV has been cured, it does mean that the treatment is working well and so the virus cannot be passed on - even through sex without a condom or childbirth.

Donor Damien Rule-Neal was diagnosed with HIV in 1999 but was confirmed undetectable after starting treatment some 18 years ago.

Neal claims that there is a lack of education about what an "undetectable status" is, and said that he has had to live with the stigma of having HIV in his personal and work life.

"I have many friends who are also living with HIV who've gone on to have children," he said. "Being able to help others on their journey is so rewarding, but I also want to show the world that life doesn't stop post-diagnosis and help to remove the stigma."

First of all, why would you tell people at work you have HIV? Second of all, just because it may be undetectable doesn't mean it isn't still there. If I made a massive batch of brownies with just one tiny turd of dog poop in it, and the dog poop was undetectable, would you still eat the brownies? No!

The online sperm bank said it will be made clear to people looking for a donor that they have HIV but are on effective treatment and so cannot pass the virus on.

The initiative, created by the New Zealand Aids Foundation, Positive Women Inc and Body Positive, hopes to educate people in New Zealand about HIV transmission.

Dr Mark Thomas, an infectious diseases doctor and Auckland University associate professor, said he had seen changes in public opinion after working with those diagnosed with HIV for more than 30 years.

"I'm glad to say that in this time there have been great changes in public understanding of HIV, but many people living with HIV still suffer from stigma," Thomas said, "Stigma can lead to inconsistent taking of medicines, and result in much less effective treatment of HIV, and risk of transmitting HIV."

"Fear of stigma and discrimination can stop people at risk from getting tested, and those living with HIV from accessing treatment and support," he added.

As well as informing the public, the online clinic aims to give people diagnosed with the virus the opportunity to create life and to raise awareness that fertility services are available for them.

The online bank was launched ahead of World Aids Day 2019, on December 1.

Here's an idea, maybe contaminated sperm just isn't good idea.