Antenatal HIV screening—ethical considerations

Abstract

Antenatal HIV screening has roused much controversy in the medical press. Discussion has centred round whether screening should be offered to all pregnant women or only to those in high risk groups, whether samples sent to the laboratories should be anonymous or identifiable and, most importantly, whether prior consent from the mother is required. It is easy to understand the basis for this controversy because, although antenatal HIV screening has advantages it also creates several problems.