HIV-Positive Pregnant Women Across Africa Face Discrimination

HIV-positive women across Africa are facing discrimination, with many "say[ing] they have been pressured -- even forced -- not to have children because people assume they will infect their babies," PRI's The World reports. "Across the continent, there have been organized efforts to prevent HIV-positive women from having children," The World writes, referencing family planning programs aimed at HIV-positive women in Kenya, Namibia and Uganda.

"Supporters of these efforts say it is irresponsible for HIV-positive women to get pregnant, when many of them still do not have access to antiretroviral drugs," according to the news service. "But AIDS activists say that instead of pressuring HIV-positive women not to have kids, more should be done to ensure that everyone has access to treatment," The World writes (Kelto, 8/22).

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