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NJ to Require Prenatal HIV Testing

State will make screening routine part of pregnancy care

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 26, 2007 7:31 PM CST

(Newser) – Doctors in New Jersey will soon test all expecting mothers for HIV under a new law signed today. The test will become a routine part of prenatal care unless a woman specifically asks not to have one, the AP reports. Previously, doctors were required only to offer the test. Doctors also must test infants when the mother’s status is positive or unknown.

The law will “significantly reduce the number of infections to newborns and help break down the stigma associated with the disease," said acting Gov. Richard Codey. If a woman tests positive, certain medications can greatly reduce the risk that her child will be born with HIV, Bloomberg notes. Arkansas, Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas have similar policies.

A blood sample. (Shutter Stock )

Blood samples to be tested for HIV are seen in this undated file photo. (Getty Images)

Two pregnant women wait to see a doctor in this undated file photo. (Getty Images)

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Christie Vetoes Gay Marriage in New Jersey

Governor kills legislation that passed yesterday

NJ Gay Marriage Bill Advances to Christie's Desk

New Jersey governor promises to veto it

Buy Whitney's Old Mansion: 'Great Conversation Piece'

Broker's ad: This is where it all went bad

Whitney Houston's Body Flown Back to Jersey

Huge send-off planned for Friday

NJ Senate Passes Gay Marriage Bill

But Gov. Chris Christie likely to veto it

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