Vertical transmission of HIV--a rediscussion of testing.
It is worthwhile reconsidering the debate on mandatory or voluntary testing for HIV antibody among women of childbearing age, in the light of recent virological and therapeutic discoveries that have altered the parameters of the issue. The therapeutic possibilities of reducing the risk of transmission for women confirmed as seropositive are an incontestable benefit for anyone who is aware of her serological status; the fact of being able to detect real infection at birth could mean that causing unnecessary distress to the antibody positive but uninfected newborn infant is avoided. Medical professionals now have convincing arguments to persuade women at risk to accept the test when it is offered. But, in any case, the voluntary nature of the decision for testing must be respected.
Macquart-Moulin
G
G
INSERM Research Unit, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.
Hairion
D
D
Auquier
P
P
Manuel
C
C
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011287:Prejudice; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D015215:Zidovudine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D015215:Zidovudine