Lisa Merkel-Holguin

About the author: Lisa Merkel-Holguin is the Child Welfare League of America's program manager for HIV/AIDS.

Some AIDS officials believe that newborns should be tested for HIV at birth, and that their parents or guardians should be notified of the results so that appropriate action can be taken to save infected children. Although this may appear to be an appropriate strategy to combat the growing problem of HIV-infected babies, a closer examination reveals flaws. Testing an infant for HIV at birth is inaccurate, and infants who are determined to be HIV-positive will not automatically receive treatment. Furthermore, a mandated testing program that lacks a complementary and accessible treatment program will likely scare away mothers who learn unexpectedly of their HIV-positive status. A better...