American Civil Liberties Union

In the following viewpoint, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) contends that mandatory HIV testing of pregnant women and newborn babies would deter many women from seeking health care for themselves and their infants. Furthermore, the ACLU argues, mandatory testing of these individuals would violate their constitutional right to privacy. The organization maintains that HIV counseling and voluntary testing provide a better way of protecting the health of pregnant women and newborns. The ACLU is a national organization that works to defend civil rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What does an HIV test of a newborn baby actually indicate, according to the ACLU?
2. How can the risk of maternal-infant transmission of HIV be reduced...