title: Should Providers Discuss Breastfeeding With Women Living With HIV in High-Income Countries? An Ethical Analysis.
abstract: As men and women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are living longer, healthier lives and having children, many questions regarding reproduction in the context of HIV arise. One question is whether breastfeeding is an option for mothers living with HIV. The established recommendation is that women living with HIV in high-income countries avoid breastfeeding. However, some women may still choose to breastfeed for a variety of personal, social, or cultural reasons. Nonmaleficence ("do no harm") must be weighed against maternal autonomy. We propose that providers caring for women in this situation are ethically justified in discussing breastfeeding as a reasonable, though inferior, option. Providers should pursue a shared decision-making approach, engaging in open conversations to learn about the mother's preferences and values, providing education about risks and benefits of various feeding options, and together with the mother formulating a plan to ensure the best possible outcome for the mother and baby.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
authors: Grace
authors: G
authors: Johnson
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
authors: Judy
authors: J
authors: Levison
authors: Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
authors: Janet
authors: J
authors: Malek
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000941:ethics*; D003376:Counseling / Q000941:ethics*; D003657:Decision Making; D019049:Developed Countries; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009035:Mothers
keywords: HIV; breastfeeding; high-income countries; shared decision-making