New Jersey Mothers May Face Mandatory HIV Testing

New Jersey may become the first state to actually require that Mothers be tested for HIV as well as testing their newborn babies. Each and every birthing area in the state will be required to test the mothers twice during their pregnancy. This comes from the thought that the earlier HIV is found in a baby the early it can be treated. The thought is that in the end this procedure can actually end up saving lives. Also if the mother tests positive then early detection in the pregnancy can radically cut down the chance of spreading the HIV virus from mother to child.

President Cody, of the senate, introduced the bill on Thursday May 10^th and called it a 'no brainer'. However the other side of the token is that women will no longer have a choice in this part of their pregnancy and/or medical treatment. Many feminists groups are actually arguing against this bill as it will take away some of the woman's medical freedoms. Feminist groups believe it is ultimately the woman's choice to make the decision of what will happen to them during their pregnancy. This law would mean that the government would be stepping in and making medical decision for the woman.

As the law stands now it is an option for a woman to receive HIV testing, not a mandatory act. However some states will administer HIV testing unless specifically asked by the mother not to administer the test. These states include Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Michigan. Connecticut and New York are the only two states that will absolutely test all newborn children for the HIV virus.

A very good reason why New Jersey is pushing for such a law to be passed is because it is the state with the highest AIDS cases in the country. The bill will undergo further consideration in the upcoming weeks.

This could cause major conflict in the thoughts of women across the country, as some will undoubtedly be very much against such a bill being passed. However there will also be some women who will look at the mandatory HIV testing as a step in a positive direction and a way to save lives. Only time will tell the real repercussions of this bill.

Associated Press, "New Jersey Law Would Mandate HIV test for mothers and newborns." Fox News.URL: (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,271732,00.html)