A new proposal would make New Jersey the first state to require HIV testing for pregnant women and their babies, unless the women decline the test in writing. Currently four states test just mothers, and two others only newborns. The bill is opposed by the D.C.-based Center for Women Policy Studies on the grounds that it limits health rights.


AP via Yahoo!:

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey would become the first state to require both pregnant women and newborns to be tested for HIV under a proposal introduced by the Senate president.

The bill would require all pregnant women be tested for HIV twice, once early in the pregnancy and a second time in the third trimester. Every birthing facility in the state would have to test all newborns in their care.

Senate President Richard J. Codey introduced the legislation on Thursday, which he described as a “no brainer.” The Associated Press first reported on Codey’s plan in March.

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