A few years ago, it was reported in the news that several female porn stars might have contracted HIV on an adult film movie set. The story caused an uproar in newspapers around the country and probably around the world. The straight adult industry was upset that this could happen to them and to their stars.



Adult film industry leaders emphatically reassured their female porn stars that all safety precautions were taken to prevent HIV or AIDS infection, and that the previous incident was isolated in nature. There was further concern due to some porn companies, particularly in the gay genre, where unsafe sex practices were used. Anal sex without a condom is risky behavior especially where HIV is concerned.

In most aspects of American culture, safety in the workplace is a primary concern. The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) specifically governs safety in the workplace. OSHAs blood borne pathogen standards must be adhered to throughout the health care industry as well as any other occupation in which a worker may be exposed to blood or other body fluids. Employers are subject to stiff fines and even criminal charges if they fail to provide for the safety of their workers.

The adult film industry is not recognized as a legitimate business according to federal and state government, which has positive and negative aspects. If it was recognized as a legitimate business, it would be regulated by federal and state safety and health standards. Government regulations would translate to mounds of paper work, along with audits, inspections, licensing, credentialing, and workers compensation, resulting in increased production costs and decreased profits for the studios.

On the other hand, government regulations would hold each studio and individual making sex films accountable for the safety, health, and well being of their models, as well as the message presented to the viewing public. We must have accountability.

Given the positive and negative aspects of government regulation, it is important no matter what for any industry to ensure its workers safety. If incidences increase government regulation will happen no matter what, and either way, the industry will feel effects. Until HIV/AIDS is no longer life threatening, adult industry filmmakers, producers, distributors, sellers and resellers of porn films have a moral responsibility to workers to promote safe sex practices. Media has the ability to influence sexual practices, and social acceptance of safe sex with condoms.