Midwives in New Zealand are concerned that health authorities are breaching pregnant women’s rights by testing them for HIV without their informed consent. Midwifery adviser Norma Campbell, from the College of Midwives, said the organisation supported the universal offer of antenatal screening for HIV but was concerned that in some cases women were not even aware they were being tested for HIV. “Women are entitled to full discussion and disclosure”. Even so, HIV doesn’t appear to be a problem in this New Zealand district. Test results revealed that only 2 out of 9000 expectant mothers were found positive and none of the infants. I’m not sure if this was cost effective. HIV positive women are stigmatized in many parts of the world and can loose insurance and even jobs as well as become social outcasts.
I have recently received this text as part of a WABA memberdiscussion:
quote: Margaret Kyenkya
hello there. At a WBW 2008 planning meeting on Friday, we in Uganda decided to join the marathon but in a creative way that puts emphasis on mother support. Employers and organisations will be asked to pledge their support for breastfeeding mothers by hosting mothers or sponsoring mothers that participate in event (the income will be distributed to Mother Support Groups. of course we shall use the approach to educate organisations about what they can do to support the implementation of the Uganda policy guidelines for Infant and young Child Feeding (June 2008), being launched during the WBW.
Although I honor and support the idea (very much so, in fact) of increasing breastfeeding throughout the world (and third world, especially), the idea of giving medals to increase breastfeeding really seems inappropriate. Here is why:
Firstly, it sends the message: that breastfeeding is only something to get a reward for one minute. It is exclusive breastfeeding that is important, not one-time one-minute breastfeeding. Also, if you were a mother who breastfed, which would you prefer: a useless medal; or food, clean water, or a photograph of your family?
So what do you think? Let us know in the comments below.