Actually, including HIV testing in the routine prenatal lab work is a good
idea, and a lifesaving one.  The reason is that transmission to the baby can
successfully be prevented by AZT or other medication and possibly C/S
delivery.  Plus, it can potentially identify women who have HIV at a stage in
which the infection can be contained and their lives prolonged very
significantly.

As was pointed out, there may be problems with women who did not have
prenatal care getting tested at the time of delivery.  And, of course,
counseling women about HIV testing and prevention is also beneficial and
should also be done. (Not necessarily while they're in active labor, however.)

The group of people in the USA currently who are at highest risk of acquiring
new HIV infection are teens and young adults (heterosexual transmission).
These are our young mothers and fathers.  Expanding testing in this
population is lifesaving, both for them and their children.

Linda L. Shaw MD FAAP

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