HIV testing mandatory?

[nana070710]

Is Hiv testing mandatory while your pregnant? I live in ny and today when i went to my ob the front desk wanted me to sign a paper for hiv testing and she said it was mandaroy and required by law BUT ON THE paper clearly said its voluntary any input??! I got tested in july and i know im clean just gets me upset that they said its mandatory i refused to sign and the lady was really annoyed and angry. Is this true??

[nana070710]

??

[carolinepozzatti]

I had my done whike pregnant but i dont know if it is mandatory.

[Shohna]

I was tested this time and last time..but id rather be tested for as much as possible even if Im sure im clear..i guess they cant just take ppls words for it..they need to know definitively

[loveYou4Ever11]

i was tested too. but i didn't mind.

[p_cakesss]

Her question is: is it mandatory. I dnt think so. I understand your frustration with them telling you one thing and the form stating another.

[KatieNor]

My on said she likes to have it done very pregnancy because it doesn't always show up right away! She never said it was mandatory just recommended.

[KatieNor]

OB not on lol spell check!

[MommyMom2014]

I was told I could opt out. My husband and I waited until we were married, so we know we don't have it.

[chloegc1023]

I think it goes something like this, the Dr requires it cuz they can't just go off of ur word that ur clean. U could inadvertently be putting the medical staff at risk by not getting tested if ur were hiv+.  Nothing against u, but they have to take proper measure to protect themselves as well since blood will be spilled when u deliver.  I was wondering the same thing when I had to fill out paperwork.  I wouldn't be offended by it.  Besides, wouldn't u want to know again that ur negative?  They test for a ton of different stuff so they can be able to give u the best treatment possible while ur pregnant.  

[lckesner]

well from what I went through, it is mandatory.  if they don't test you, they'll have to test the baby and most people don't want to put their baby through that.  I live in DC.  I think it's a city thing

[nana070710]

I was tested in july and came negative. But what i get annoyed is they tell u is mandatory just like they told me iv is mandatory...

[etismyhero]

They are wrong for saying it is mandatory. They can't make anything like that mandatory because you have the right to refuse for religious reasons. I would get tested anyway just to be double sure, but they should use universal precautions during the delivery. They should be treating everyone as if they have HIV by wearing gloves and gown.

[3rdNdone]

When you become pregnant your child is the priority. Even if you were tested recently don't you want to make sure that the test is still negative? I'm married and faithful I believe my husband is faithful, but. I'm only accountable for my activities so when I get my annual I always get tested and likewise when I'm pregnant. I think that regardless of if she was telling the truth about it being mandatory, it should be mandatory for you.

[nana070710]

I do understand what you all saying but to tell me its a new york state law ? Dont tell me that to obligate for something i Do have a right to refuse

[bump2015]

It's a standard test, not mandatory. The receptionist could just not know English. Or she's just a jerk andsaying  t that to get patients to do what she wants more easily.
I'd talk to your doctor about it, tell them what she told you. Ask for the law that mandates the testing if they back her up. And if you really are certain you're negative and don't want to be tested again, the clinic where you had the testing done can provide your results to your ob.

[purple2007]

It's mandatory.  You don't have a choice

[wyattsmom2015]

I understand where you are coming from on that. She could have easily said that even if you were tested recently that they prefer for every woman to get tested to protect the baby. Lots of people refuse to get tested for religious reasons, some refuse all blood tests. They can not force things like that.

Even for a good reason the place you trust for your care during pregnancy should not lie to you. It makes you wonder if you made the right choice for a Dr and if YOU are safe.

[springblessings2014]

I was tested twice .

[jmillis]

It maybe a mandatory thing for that doctors office some obs have mandatory drug screening for new patients. I would say if you don't agree with that offices policies find a new doctor. I have had the test each of my three pregnancies while we all want to believe our partners are faithful u just can't be 100 percent

[BonitaMichelle]

I think it is. I live in Georgia and hiv was a test I couldn't refuse. I guess its like when they test ur baby for drugs at birth.

[BonitaMichelle]

Also HIV isnt only contracted during sex.

[chloegc1023]

I don't think they test baby for drugs at birth, but only if u state in ur medical history that ice been taking drugs recently that they would test for it.  As for the hiv, I just think it's stand practice for good measure of protecting the patient, baby, and medical staff.  I don't see anything wrong with it.  And I don't get y some ppl would be offended by having to get it done when it's considered safety protocol.  

[schenner2]

Where I am from I believe it is mandatory.   I get your frustration with being lied to if that is the case.  

[specialmom]

Everyone gets it in my state.  But I didn't think it was a big deal.  Shouldn't we all know if we have it or not anyway?  If you don't know because you've never been tested---  it would best to know if you are HIV positive, right?  I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't want to know or take that simple test.