Women living with HIV: the decision to become pregnant

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the perception of HIV positive women regarding the decision to become pregnant; investigate women's knowledge about HIV positive health care in the prevention of vertical transmission. Method: This is a descriptive and exploratory qualitative research. We used a script of questions and the interviews were taped and later transcribed. Results: The study revealed that positive serology for HIV is not a limiting factor for the decision to become pregnant. Although the fear of transmitting the virus is present, it is overcomed by the desire to be a mother and the expectation of having a healthy child. Conclusion: Reproductive decisions of HIV positive women should be valued during the health care assistance so they can make consciously, democratic and emancipatory life decisions.