HIV, AIDS, and childbearing

Whether, with whom, and when to have children are among the most precious of our private decisions. Increasingly, however, the interests of others in these decisions raise difficult questions about the role of government and health professionals in influencing reproductive choice. Nowhere is this tension felt more keenly than in the context of HIV and AIDS. This book takes on the tough issues related to HIV and childbearing: Is there a moral right to have children? What are the limits of persuasion?

Are there constitutional constraints on interference with reproduction? What are the precedents with restricting the childbearing behavior of women who use drugs? The book includes original work by doctors, lawyers, ethicists, and public health professionals. Also included are the experiences of HIV-infected women and their health care providers. It concludes with recommendations for clinical practice and public policy.

Public policy makers, health care providers, practitioners in bioethics, pediatrics, health law, and obstetrics/gynecology will find this book invaluable when dealing with issues related to HIV and childbearing.