title: An ethical analysis of opt-out HIV screening for pregnant women.
abstract: Critical advances in prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of the HIV in the perinatal period have changed practice recommendations for HIV screening for pregnant women. Using case studies we illustrate the ethical complexities and implications of opt-out HIV testing for pregnant women. Despite the potential for compromised informed consent, an opt-out HIV screening approach is ethically defensible.
authors.affiliation: Fairbanks Center for Medical Ethics, Indiana University Health, 1800 N. Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. lwocial@iuhealth.org
authors.forename: Lucia D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Wocial
authors.forename: Elaine G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Cox
mesh_terms: D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000941:ethics*; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000941:ethics; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000941:ethics*; D014836:Volition / Q000941:ethics*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: HIV testing; ethics; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); opt out testing; perinatal transmission