The New Jersey state legislature should soon begin considering a measure under which it would become the first state to require both pregnant women and newborns to be tested for HIV disease. The pending measure, which was unveiled by state Senate President Richard J. Codey (D) yesterday, would require that all expectant mothers and newborns get the test unless the mother rejects the testing in writing. The pending bill would require providers to educate women on HIV, offering information on test benefits, treatments for HIV and the extent to which treatment can reduce risks to an HIV-infected fetus. Right now Arkansas, Michigan, Tennessee and Texas require providers to test mothers for HIV unless she specifically asks not to be tested, and Connecticut and new York test all newborns, but New Jersey would be the only state to test both.
To learn more about the proposal:
- read this Associated Press item