NCJ Number
122897
Journal
Exchange Issue: 7 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 1-7
Date Published
1988
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The problems faced by women who have AIDS, ARC, or who have tested positive for HIV antibodies are discussed.
Abstract
While women represented 7 percent of all cases diagnosed nationally during the first five years of the epidemic, in 1986 20 percent of all new cases were women. As of July 1, 1987, AIDS became the leading cause of death for women ages 25 to 34. Eighty-four percent of these women are minorities. In addition to the discrimination faced by all people with AIDS in employment, housing, and access to medical treatment, women with AIDS-related problems have specific difficulties arising from the economic, social, and gender oppression of women generally. The majority of women with AIDS are members of minority groups and low income; a majority are also intravenous drug users. In addition, many women with AIDS have children, which makes child care and guardianship critical issues. The Women's AIDS Network, a coalition of women in AIDS service groups, believes that women who are HIV positive or have AIDS or ARC should have exactly the same reproductive options as uninfected women, including both the right to have children and the right to choose an abortion.