Annotation:
After a medical discussion of HIV testing of pregnant women and an assessment of testing policies in different provinces, this section of the report focuses on whether pregnancy affects a woman's right to consent to and refuse medical treatment. The author presents five arguments against mandatory testing: (1) it would likely be found unconstitutional; (2) voluntary programs have shown to be effective; (3) voluntary programs establish trust between physicians and patients that is key to women's compliance with their doctors' recommendations; (4) mandatory testing will increase distrust of the public health care system by women in communities disproportionately affected by HIV; and (5) mandatory testing disrespects women by treating them as a means to an end. The author also emphasizes the provision of counselling, to make women aware of the risks and benefits of testing and to enable them to make informed decisions. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - HIV/AIDS, Canada]