Georgia to Add HIV Tests to Its Prenatal Exams

Georgia to Add HIV Tests to Its Prenatal Exams

On Thursday, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue signed into a law a measure that will require health care providers to include HIV testing as part of standard prenatal exams. A pregnant woman's refusal to take the test would be noted in her medical record.

Currently, patients must request HIV testing separately as part of their prenatal lab work. Physicians, however, automatically test for measles, syphilis, and hepatitis, said Augusta-based physician Greg Cook. "The whole purpose of this is we really want more women to get tested for HIV and if they're pregnant, not only can we refer the mother to infectious disease [care] and treatment, but it's very important for the baby," the OB-GYN said.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta), said more widespread testing could diagnose women who did not consider themselves to be at risk for HIV.

Under the new law, pregnant women testing positive for HIV will be referred to the state Department of Human Resources for counseling on medical care.

Florida Times-Union (05.18.07):: Vicky Eckenrode

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