HIV test and Religious Exemption

[Green Decals]

I need some references for religious exemptions for HIV testing for an expectant mother and also for a newborn. Not cases where people have exempted out of it, but specific religious texts that could be used as a basis for exemption. Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Billy-Bob's Belief System, doesn't matter what the religion is... Thanks!

[Huxley]

Isn't HIV testing optional?

[mysticmomma1879]

What state?

[Dory]

Originally Posted by Huxley Isn't HIV testing optional?

I'm not sure if it's state or national, but here it isn't optional. I was told it is some kind of law that all expectant mothers be tested for HIV and chlamydia?

[TwinKristi]

HIV testing is optional. But be warned that if you refuse the test you will be treated as if it's positive to protect the health care workers who may come in contact with your bodily fluids. They aren't tested you to prove something, they're testing you to better protect you, them and your baby.
Eta- your dr can also refuse to treat you. I believe NY is a state that requires STD testing. And after some reading Nebraska is and Texas may be.

[qsefthuko]

What is the issue with HIV testing? Why do you(assuming it is you) have an objection to it but not to the other prenatal tests that are done?

[walawala]

Did HIV even exist in biblical days? Why wouldn't you want to be tested?

[Mommy2Be08]

I always thought it was optional??
I'm not sure there'd be anything biblical about it since it wasn't around then.

I plan on not being tested for it with this baby along with other STDs. This is my 4th baby in 4 years. I was tested the last 3 times and I don't have them and since I've only been with my DH where would I have gotten them from. Plus they billed me like $100 last time for 2 of them they tested for and I'm not paying that again for no reason!

[TS8213]

In Illinois, HIV testing is optional but it's required that the doctor offer it. However, if you opt out then it's required by state law that the baby is tested when born.

I don't know any religious exemptions though.

[Green Decals]

It is mandatory in my state but they allow religious exemption. They cannot question your specific religious affiliation, only if your beliefs are "sincerely held religious beliefs". We are practicing Unitarian Universalists, with specific religious beliefs that don't fit fully into a particular religion or denomination, thus our UU Church affiliation. We do not believe in undue harm, or giving our blood unless there is a clear, specific, danger. Given the new state law, either I have to be tested (despite having been in a faithful marriage for many, many years) or our newborn has to be tested. The test requires puncturing a vein, it cannot be done by a heel prick. We opted out of the heel prick metabolic screening for our last because of pain and the storing of his DNA with the state, but were able to have it done at home, minimally invasive, and the sample returned to us so it was not stored. We will be doing the same for this baby, and if the HIV test could be done with the same sample then I would allow it. However, I will not allow a venipuncture for a newborn. I am not doing any of the other prenatal tests for the same reason - they are not necessary, and I will not subject myself to them to find out that I am immune to the same things that I have long-documented immunity to, or to have a lab confirm that I am not HIV positive and then have that be part of my medical record. There are other reasons why we don't do blood testing too, but I won't go into them as it is not necessary. I have to write a letter and, to increase the odds of not having CPS show up and stick my newborn, I need some religious texts to reference in the letter.

ETA: My midwife is fully supportive and agrees, and in the event of a hospital transfer, universal precautions are always followed anyway... They can't refuse you care.