No Woman Should Have to Risk Her Life Because She Is Afraid to Seek Help
An unintended pregnancy can bring fear and uncertainty, especially for women facing HIV-related stigma, poverty, coercion, sexual violence or serious health concerns [Part C]. Women deserve confidential, non-judgmental information and access to appropriate professional care .
Through community engagement, Kar Geno has heard accounts of women considering or using unsafe methods, including herbal preparations, to end pregnancies when they lack trusted information or support. Such methods can cause serious complications. We seek to challenge stigma and barriers that push reproductive decisions into secrecy .
Advanced HIV disease and a low CD4 count can indicate weakened immune function and additional health concerns requiring individual clinical assessment. However, a low CD4 count alone neither determines the likelihood of HIV transmission to a baby nor makes abortion medically necessary.
Effective treatment and viral suppression greatly reduce transmission risk . No woman should be pressured to continue or end a pregnancy because of HIV status.