About AIDS
Fri., July 16, 1999
Quick Quiz #2: In conceiving a child, what percentage of the time does an HIV-positive man transmit his virus to the HIV-negative woman? (a) always, 100% (b) 48% (c) 30% (d) 4%
Quick Quiz #3: What percentage of the time does an HIV-positive pregnant woman transmit the virus to her baby? (a) always, 100% (b) 20-30% (c) 5-8% (d) It depends ...
One contemplation that is often highly controversial is HIV-positive people having children. Surprisingly, the inherent infection risks are not as great as many folks think. Answer #1 is (d). The father never transmits HIV to the child; infection only comes from the mother (AIDS is "Acquired," not "Inherited"). Answer #2, suggests a study in the British medical journal The Lancet, is 4%. Of course, the odds are best if the man is relatively healthy and has a low viral load; and if the couple consistently uses condoms except when they are deliberately trying to conceive (best at ovulation).
The answer to #3 is conditional. If the mother takes the "drug cocktail" during pregnancy and delivery, transmission is only 5-8% likely, vs. 20-30% without the meds. That is why it is critical for a pregnant woman to know her HIV status. (Another study in the journal AIDS showed that if mom smokes during pregnancy, the child's chance of infection rises, probably because of nicotine's effect on the placental membrane.)
As HIV increasingly affects heterosexuals of child-bearing age, more and more people must face the issues of having kids. Comprehensive, sensitive counseling is imperative to help them understand the consequences for themselves -- and their potential children.
-- Sandy Bartlett, Community Information/Education Coordinator
AIDS Services of Austin
ASA Info Line: 458-AIDS, E-mail: [email protected]
