The estimated number of births per year to women infected with HIV is 7,000 in the United States and 25 in Minnesota. The Minnesota numbers reflect Minnesota residents, number of non-residents receiving medical care in Minnesota are not included in this number. AIDS were born to mothers who either were infected with HIV, or were identified as being at risk for HIV infection. This means that providers of obstetrics care counsel all pregnant women under their care, emphasizing that an HIV test is available and explain why it is important to be tested. Counseling and voluntary testing is provided to all women, not only those who might be identified as being at risk for HIV infection.
Women have the option to refuse the test if they wish.
The purpose of the counseling is to educate all pregnant women about prevention of HIV infection, the importance of HIV antibody testing, and the transmission of HIV from mother to baby. To be understood and accepted, educational materials and counseling must be tailored to the cultural and regional differences among patients. A concern with voluntary testing is that some HIV-positive women will not be tested. As a result these women will not receive the treatment and services they need to combat the disease and protect their baby. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Medical Association recommend routine counseling and voluntary HIV testing of pregnant women.