AIDS, Women, and the Next Generation: Towards a Morally Acceptable Public Policy for HIV Testing of Pregnant Women and Newborns - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195065727 ISBN 13: 9780195065725

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1991

Synopsis

The proliferation of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among women and children represents one of the gravest health issues confronting contemporary society. Women, most of childbearing age, now constitute 11 percent of all cases, and the U.S. Public Health Service has projected over 3,000 cases of pediatric AIDS by the end of 1991. In the face of these sobering statistics, experts have been called upon to grapple with a difficult, compelling question: under what conditions, if any, should HIV testing of women and children be required? Also at issue are the surreptitious testing for HIV antibodies as part of routine prenatal and neonatal examinations, and whether such testing should be performed on all women and infants, or only those who belong to groups judged at "high risk". In this unique contribution to the debate about HIV screening and testing, Ruth Faden, Madison Powers, and Gail Geller have assembled perspectives from experts in public health, medicine, law, and ethics. Their wide-ranging treatment examines the history of prenatal and neonatal screening programs; informed consent; legal issues and confidentiality; reproductive decision-making; and numerous other aspects of HIV testing. Alternative policy options for both now and the future are discussed in detail. This volume provides a comprehensive analysis of these pressing medical, public health, legal, ethical, and social issues, and is essential reading for AIDS researchers and clinicians, public health specialists, ethicists, health policymakers and analysts, obstetricians, and pediatricians.

About this title

About the Author:

Ruth R. Faden is at Johns Hopkins University. Gail Geller is at Johns Hopkins University.

Review:

"Each chapter in this rich mine of 17 contributions is well worth reading, not only by those with special interest in the subject, but by those concerned about the appropriate role of health care professionals and government in influencing patient choices...first rate...broader perspective on
a pressing clinical and social issue."--The Journal of the American Medical Association

"Fine scholarly essays." --Choice

"Alternative policy options, objections and recommendations are discussed in detail. The major focus of the authors' proposed policy is providing information for pregnant women and new mothers about HIV infection and testing. The text points out gaps in current research, risks and benefits
of screening pregnant women, and legal obligations to patients. A survey of all current state legislation . . . is included. The social and ethical issues that have historically shaped pregnant women's decision making is outlined." --California AIDS Clearinghouse Reviewer

"The book demonstrates admirably how any sound ethical analysis must be based upon an accurate understanding of the medical and scientific facts. This book is an important contribution to the HIV/AIDS debate, not only because of its thoughtful recommendations on the question of HIV screening
for pregnant women and newborns, but also because it offers a model for policy formulation that takes account of a diverse range of difficult and controversial ethical concerns." --Bioethics

"A very well researched book with much information for those working with potential HIV positive pregnant women."--AIDS Book Review Journal

"This comprehensive, thoughtful book is a good reference for scholars and policy makers....The contributors consider legal, ethical, medical, and public health criteria for HIV screening. Particularly helpful is the comparison with screening for other diseases..." --Religious Studies
Review

"AIDS, Women and the Next Generation is a rigorously constructed volume of insightful articles....it offers in-depth analysis and clear directions to guide public policy-making with respect to HIV, pregnant women, and newborns."--Disability Studies Quarterly

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0195065727
• ISBN 13: 9780195065725
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 400
• Editor: Faden Ruth R., Geller Gail, Powers Madison