a·non´y·mous Adj. 1: not named or identified “they wish to remain anonymous” 2: of unknown authorship or origin “an anonymous tip” 3: lacking individuality, distinction, or recognizability “the anonymous faces in the crowd.” [Merriam-Webster Dictionary]

California's State Office of AIDS began collecting the date of birth and the first letter of the last name of every person who chooses to test anonymously for HIV as of January 1, 2001. This new information is on a form called HIV5, because it is the fifth form since the state began anonymous HIV testing. We feel very strongly that anonymous testing  is an important component in the fight to combat HIV because it offers a safe way for people to get tested without having to reveal themselves or their status to anyone.  The erosion of  anonymous testing is an infringement on individual privacy and is danger to the everyone's  health because it makes it less likely for many people, especially those at highest risk for HIV, to get tested. 

The Berkeley Free Clinic believes that the new form:

• Undermines the anonymity of "anonymous" HIV testing because it requires that people give information that can be traced to them individually.

• Is inconsistent with the Office of AIDS' own guidelines for anonymous testing. May be illegal, according to the laws of the State of California.

We are not saying that unique identifiers should not be collected. We believe that unique identifiers, that cannot be traced back to the individual, can be an integral part of HIV testing and services.

We are not discouraging people from getting tested for HIV. We believe very strongly that everyone who is at risk for HIV can benefit from the unique format of anonymous HIV testing, with it's emphasize on client-centered counseling and harm reduction based education.