Testing of Pregnant Women with HIV

In this position paper, the Canadian AIDS Society argues that HIV testing should be offered to all pregnant women rather than only to women who are perceived to be at risk for HIV; selective testing should be avoided because it is overly reliant on the treatment provider and may reinforce stereotypes. The need to provide pregnant women with information about pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and alternative treatments is also emphasized. The paper then provides an overview of the situation of HIV testing, as of 1998, across provinces and territories, and raises related concerns such as toxicity, standards of care, alternative treatments and prevention. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - HIV/AIDS, Canada]