Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs and Experiences of (Recently)Pregnant Women Living with HIV in Mexico

Marieke G. van Dijk, Population Council
Allison Ettenger, Independent Consultant
Xipatl Contreras, Independent Consultant
Dawn Fukuda, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Although Mexico has a relatively low prevalence of HIV (0.3%), there is an increasing trend of infections among women. This qualitative study investigates the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs and experiences of Mexican women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA). We conducted in-depth interviews in four regions of Mexico with a total of 31 WLHA, 27 of whom were pregnant in the past five years and four women who were pregnant at the time of the interview. The majority of women received limited or no counseling on contraceptive use, except for condoms and tubal ligation. Health-care providers reacted negatively towards WLHA with fertility desires; three women reported coercion by providers to abort. They were given very basic information on prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and ARV treatment was often stopped once they delivered. There is a strong need for better counseling to WLHA, sensitivity training for providers and improved HIV/SRH service integration.