New Jersey To Test Moms and Babies For HIV
Now New Jersey are hoping make HIV testing routine for moms during their prenatal care and required for some newborns.
Last month Minnesota got mixed reviews over their newborn screening that would test infants for 54 treatable diseases.
Once signed, this bill will put the state in the forefront of the national fight against HIV transmission to babies.
SOURCE“We can significantly reduce the number of infections to newborns and help break down the stigma associated with the disease. For newborns, early detection can be the ultimate lifesaving measure.” Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey
New Jersey law now requires providers only to offer HIV testing to pregnant women. Under the new law, HIV testing would be part of routine prenatal care for all pregnant women, and doctors would provide pregnant woman with information about HIV and AIDS. It also would require newborns to be tested when the mother has tested positive or her HIV status is unknown.
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