Abstract
Field experiences integrating family planning into programs to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PDF)
Rutenberg,Naomi; Baek,Carolyn
Studies in Family Planning 36(3): 235-245
Publication date: 2005
This article reviews field experiences with provision of family planning services in prevention ofmother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs in ten countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.Family planning is a standard component of most antenatal care and maternal-child health programswithin which PMTCT programs are offered. Yet PMTCT sites often miss opportunities to provideHIV-positive clients with family planning counseling. Demand for family planning among HIVpositivewomen varies depending on the extent of communities' openness about HIV/AIDS, fertilitynorms, and knowledge of PMTCT programs. In Kenya and Zambia, no differences were observed inuse of contraceptives between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women in the study communities, butHIV-positive women have more affirmative attitudes about condoms and use them significantly morefrequently than do their HIV-negative counterparts. In the Dominican Republic, India, and Thailand,where HIV prevalence is low and sterilization rates are high, HIV-positive women are offeredsterilization, which most women accept. This article draws out the policy implications of these findingsand recommends that policies be based on respect for women's right to informed reproductive choicein the context of HIV/AIDS.
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