Cooper E; HIV Infection in Women Conference.
Program Abstr HIV Infect Women Conf HIV Infect Women Conf 1995 Wash DC. 1995 Feb 22-24; S21.
New York Task Force on Women and AIDS, Brooklyn, NY.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of mandatory testing of pregnant women and newborns on access to care. To analyze such programs in light of legal/public policy principles and medical/scientific knowledge. Methods: Examined impact of mandatory testing programs generally (HIV & non-HIV) and HIV-related mandatory counseling/voluntary testing programs directed at women. Assessed significance of ACTG 076 and PCP prophylaxis on counseling/testing modalities. Analyzed mandatory testing proposals using legal principles of privacy, autonomy, informed consent, and equality. Results: Mandatory HIV testing programs do not tend to facilitate access to services: Illinois marriage license law; HIV name- reporting programs; and drug metabolite testing. Universal counseling/voluntary testing programs (confidential, with linkage to care) effectively identify HIV-positives and facilitate follow up (e.g., Harlem, Cook County, Johns Hopkins Hospitals). Mandatory testing programs do not withstand scrutiny under legal principles identified above. Discussion & Conclusions: Early identification is important, particularly with recent findings that AZT can reduce vertical transmission. Decision to accept AZT requires counseling and consent process. Mandated testing during pregnancy will not facilitate access to AZT; mandated testing at birth reduces effective intervention. Access to care for women and their children is best facilitated through universal counseling, voluntary testing. This comprehensive approach respects both individual autonomy and protects the public health.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Anti-HIV Agents
- Child
- Counseling
- Disease Transmission, Vertical
- Female
- HIV
- HIV Antibodies
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Policy
- Humans
- Illinois
- Infant, Newborn
- Mandatory Testing
- Mass Screening
- Policy Making
- Pregnancy
- Public Policy
- Research
- Voluntary Programs
- Zidovudine
- transmission
Other ID:
UI: 102214777
From Meeting Abstracts