Bangkok Post - November 7, 2000
Aphaluck Bhatiasevi

The council based its decision on the premise that women with HIV/Aids will eventually die, so their health should not be considered an important factor in permitting them to terminate pregnancy.

Under article 305 of the Criminal Code, abortion is permitted only if women have been raped or there are problems with the health of the unborn child.

Assoc Prof Krittaya Achvanitkul, of Mahidol University's Institute for Population and Social Research, said the council ruled in favour of the Medical Council, whose recommendations concerned medical and not social issues.

Dr Tawee Chotevithayasunon, of the Children's Hospital, said many state hospital doctors wanted to help women with HIV/Aids but were reluctant to do so because of the law.

He called on public interest groups to continue to press for change because it would reduce unwanted pregnancies and the number of orphans.

A decision on whether to abort or not should rest with the women, Dr Tawee told a meeting on the use of Zidovudine (AZT, an anti-HIV drug which can prevent mother-to-child transmission).

Dr Tawee said AZT should be provided to all HIV-positive pregnant women because it had been proven to reduce the transmission rate by half.

Representing pregnant women with HIV, Um, of Phalang Cheewit (Life Strength), a self-support group, said many women did not want to consume AZT because of its side-effects and the treatment regime.

Um said side-effects include acute nausea, and in the long term, AZT could lead to bone problems. It was difficult for the women to consume large doses of the drug every day, she said. Irregular consumption would not protect newborns from the virus but could increase the risk of drug resistance.

She said women with HIV should be provided with comprehensive information on the use of AZT so that they can make a decision on their own.

Dr David Wilson, of Medicins Sans Frontier, said despite having a good policy on the provision of AZT to pregnant women with HIV, there are problems with implementation.

"The problem is that policy-makers hope this intervention can be included in routine ante-natal care, which is very difficult," he said. Counselling was observed from the medical aspect and not from the women's point of view.

"It has become too much of a medical problem and not enough attention is paid to the isues of the women," he said. The stigma against people with HIV/Aids placed a heavy burden on women who had to not only cope with the side-effects of the drug if they choose to consume, but also the stigma.
001107
BP001102

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2000. 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, 2000. 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. .