faqs.org » Abstracts Index » Abstracts » Health

Ethical considerations in the treatment of infertility in women with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Article Abstract:

HIV-infected women should be offered infertility treatments unless there is a serious reason to withhold it. HIV infection can affect the reproductive system directly or indirectly by increasing the risk of opportunistic infections that can affect the reproductive system. In the past, HIV-infected women were not offered fertility treatments because it was feared they would transmit the virus to the child or would not live long enough to raise the child. However, zidovudine use by pregnant women substantially reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to the child and also improves survival.

Women, HIV infections, HIV infection in women

---

Welfare reform and the obstetrical care of immigrants and their newborns

Article Abstract:

Physicians should urge their state legislators to provide Medicaid funding to immigrant women who are pregnant. The welfare reform act of 1996 prohibits undocumented immigrants from receiving any public funds. However, states can continue to provide Medicaid funds to undocumented immigrants. Denying financial benefits to immigrants will not stem the flow of immigrants into the US. In addition, children of immigrants born in the US are American citizens and it may be unconstitutional to deny them services. Prenatal care is actually cost-effective because it prevents future health problems.

Finance, Services, Pregnant women, Immigrants, Welfare reform, Prenatal care

---

In treating infertility, are multiple pregnancies unavoidable?

Article Abstract:

Women with infertility may want to forgo taking fertility drugs in favor of in vitro fertilization. Fertility drugs stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. However, this increases the risk of having a multiple pregnancy. Babies who are born as part of a multiple pregnancy have a greater risk of disability and death. In vitro fertilization can lower the risk of multiple birth because only one or two embryos are transferred into the uterus.

Editorial, Usage, Fertilization in vitro, Human, Human fertilization in vitro

Some parts © 2012 Advameg, Inc.