Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press - 10 Oct 1995
The agreement, which state officials were expected to announce Tuesday, came as part of the settlement of a lawsuit and ends a long debate over the anonymity of AIDS test results.
New York state tests all infants for the AIDS virus, but the results are used only for statistical analysis and aren't disclosed to parents.
A positive HIV test in a newborn means the mother carries the virus. The state has kept results anonymous to preserve women's right to choose whether they want to know their HIV status.
Because of the policy, state officials believe that dozens and perhaps hundreds of parents leave hospitals each year without knowing that their babies are infected with HIV.
Under the planned policy, which the Pataki administration believes is a first in the nation, doctors will be required to advise new mothers that the test results are available to them.
The issue has angered civil libertarians who have raised questions about how the government might use the test results.
Gov. George Pataki and Attorney General Dennis Vacco have endorsed the settlement, the newspaper said.
Copyright 1995/The Associated Press. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, The Associated Press, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
951010
AP951011
Copyright © 1995 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1995. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .