Abstract
abstract Recent studies have shown that uptake of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services in public sector antenatal settings in South Africa is low, with only half of all pregnant women consenting to HIV test. Out of those who do test, it is estimated that only 30 percent of HIV-positive pregnant women actually receive antiretroviral treatment to prevent HIV transmission during labour. Against this backdrop, arguments are currently being made in favour of radical interventions to reduce vertical transmission. This briefing looks at the proposed policy of mandatory HIV-testing of newborns and presents the case against such an approach, in the interests of women and their babies.
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