Margolese SL; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. ThPeE7981.
Canadian Treatment Action Council, Toronto, Canada
Issue: The "opt-in" model of HIV testing during pregnancy provides prevention and care opportunities that should not be missed. It also protects a woman's right to informed consent. The Canadian Medical Association(CMA) approved a resolution calling for routine testing of all pregnant women using the "opt-out" method. While some Canadian provinces are offering the "opt-in" model, it is not a national standard. A recent report assessing an existing "opt-out" program in Alberta, Canada shows that many women don't always know they can opt-out or, in fact, that they are being tested at all. Description: The Canadian Treatment Action Council (CTAC), a treatment advocacy group directed by people with HIV, referred this issue to its Policy Issues Specific to Women Committee. The committee released a Canada wide "Action Alert" advocating that provincial governments ensure pregnant women receive the same informed consent rights as other Canadians via an opt-in testing program. In addition, CTAC has written to the CMA and several provicincial governments encouraging them to change their policy. Lessons Learned As a result of the CTAC letter writing initiative, the CMA agreed to review its policy on opt-out testing and to bring it back to the membership for reconsideration deemed appropriate All provincial governments have responded to our concerns and have expressed a desire to continue the dialogue Some physicians argue that there are not enough resources available to ensure the proper delivery of "opt-in" programs. Recommendations: CTAC will continue to support the "opt-in" model for HIV testing of pregnant women and will advocate for policies and legislation that lead to a pan-Canadian standard.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Alberta
- Canada
- Consumer Participation
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Immunologic Techniques
- Informed Consent
- Mass Screening
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
Other ID:
UI: 102281742
From Meeting Abstracts