title: Health care provider perspectives on pregnancy and parenting in HIV-positive individuals in South Africa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Within the health system, limited attention is given to supporting the fertility and parenting desires on HIV-positive people. In this study, we explore health care providers' knowledge and perspectives on safer conception and alternate parenting strategies for HIV-positive people.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between November 2007 and January 2008, in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 health care workers involved in providing HIV and/or antiretroviral services at public sector clinics in Cape Town, South Africa. Views on sexual and reproductive health services, pregnancy, childbearing and parenting in HIV-positive men and women were explored using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Providers recognized the sexual and reproductive rights of HIV-positive individuals, but struggled with the tension between supporting these rights and concerns about spreading infection. Limited knowledge of safer conception methods constrained their ability to counsel and support clients in realizing fertility desires. Providers believed that parenting alternatives that do not maintain biological and cultural linkage are unlikely to be acceptable options.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health care provider training and support is critical to providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care and meeting the fertility desires of HIV-positive people.
authors.affiliation: Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa. jennifer.moodley@uct.ac.za.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moodley
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Joanne E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Mantell
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stern
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016487:Parenting; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013019:South Africa; D055815:Young Adult