Abstract
Background
In Canadian provinces with opt-out policies for maternal HIV screening, pregnant women
are told HIV screening is routine and are provided with the opportunity to refuse.
In Newfoundland and Labrador an opt-out screening policy has been in place since 1997.
Purpose
This research study aimed to (1) obtain an increased understanding of the information
women receive about HIV/AIDS during the opt-out screening process and (2) to advance
the policy related dialogue around best practices in HIV screening within the province
of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Methods
Twelve women who were between 14 and 35 weeks gestation participated. Interviews were
transcribed verbatim and a thematic analysis was carried out.
Findings
The major themes are that women have difficulty obtaining clear information about
maternal HIV screening, are often not told they have the right to refuse maternal
screening, and experience paternalism from physicians.
Conclusion
We recommend that physicians and other health care providers in be reminded that that
current opt-out testing requires women's consent and that women must be given the
option to refuse the test.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 12, 2012
Accepted:
August 27,
2012
Received in revised form:
July 14,
2012
Received:
December 13,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
