Many women do not have the freedom to practice safer sex. Women who are dependent on others for food, shelter, and support may risk physical danger if they insist on practicing safe sex. Also women who are emotionally dependent on their partners may fear rejection if they insist on practicing safer sex. Domestic and street violence plays an important role in curtailing women's rights in their sexual lives. Cultural issues such as religion, socially imposed models of behavior, and culturally supported views that decisions related to safe sex are men's decisions have certain impact.
Many women are culturally unprepared to be assertive and protect themselves.
In some cultures, women are very assertive in certain areas of social and family life, but not in the sexual life of the couple. If a lesbian or transgender woman, finding providers and agencies sensitive to their issues Legal issues such as employment, housing and child custody, etc. Women's' rights advocates argue that all women should have freedom of reproductive choice even if it means giving birth to an HIV-positive baby. This is still a choice that must be left up to the mother, however. Women with HIV who decide to continue a pregnancy need special care in order to increase the chances of staying healthy and having a healthy baby.