June 2003

75th General Convention: A020 : HIV/AIDS: HIV Medications Availability.

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the Episcopal Church, through its General Convention, urge American pharmaceutical companies, the United States Food and Drug Administration, and the United States Patent Office to relinquish patent rights to pharmaceutical companies in developing countries to allow for the development of HIV medications including antiretroviral drugs and the creation of generic versions of those medications with the purpose of making those medications available to those who need them in those developing countries. and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention direct the Social Responsibilities in Investments Committee of the Executive Council and urge the Church Pension Fund to implement this resolution, especially through the influence of shareholder resolutions.