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Sti's Spreading Case Study

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A sexually transmitted infect, STI, is transmitted through sexual contact, viruses, parasites, and/or bacteria. Studies show that 120 percent of the people in the United States have an STD. 50 percent of sexually active youth will contract an STD when they are 25 years old and 320 percent of high school girls already have the infection. (3) Although HIV is the least common case, in 2013, an estimated 47,165 people in the United States were diagnosed with HIV. About 1 in 6 people do not know they are infected. (2) These studies and values are shocking and concerning. Since STIs have such significant negative health consequences I believe that there should be legal discipline and you should be able to sue someone for spreading the disease if …show more content…

(1) But there are certain cases that carry enhanced sentences if the suspect is infected with an STD. One case in particular addressed the case of STI’s spreading. In 2007, twenty five year old Karly Rossiter filed a petition against Dr. Alan Evans, a dentist from Iowa. At the end of their 18-month relationship Karly was diagnosed with both strains of HPV, one stain that can lead to cervical cancer, and bacterial vaginitis. Karly stated that he “volunteered that he was free from any type of sexually transmitted disease” and they actually discussed their prior sexual history. Evans denied having the disease and since the FDA has not approved of an HPV exam for men, Karly was not able to prove he was actually infected. Although she couldn’t prove it, after 10 hours of deliberation, a Muscatine Country District Court jury found Evan liable for the transmission of the disease and Karly was awarded %700,000 in commentary damages and $800,000 in punitive damages. (4) I personally disagree with awarding Karly, so soon after the petition was filed; because there was no proof shown to the court that Evans actually had the disease. If she had evidence that Evans truly gave her HPV then of course she should have been awarded the money. Prior to having sexual contact with Evans, Karly should have asked for medical evidence from

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