Is it a rights violation or lack of knowledge about options? An examination of HIV counselors views on whether women infected with HIV should procreate

Prior to the widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the desire to conceive among HIV-positive women was discouraged due to a high perinatal transmission risk [1]. The recent advancement in HIV therapy has transformed the conceptualization of the infection. In particular, highly effective prevention strategies have led to a near elimination of the pediatric HIV epidemic in the United States and Europe [2, 3]. “Virtual elimination”of pediatric HIV infection is a now touted as a near-term target [4], and the proportion of HIV-positive individuals who desire to exercise their fundamental right to reproduction is increasing.