What, if any, are the issues involved in raising HIV+ children?

Question

I have read that people are more unwilling to adopt a child if they are HIV+. Besides dealing with the stigma, are there any issues that parents have to additionally consider when raising HIV+ children as opposed to HIV-?

Website links would be extremely helpful. Thankyou.

Answer 1

The only problem that I see is the stigma. A child carrying HIV needs love just like any other and you raise it just like any other. As long as HIV does not break out into AIDS, there is no problem at all. Some people carry the virus lifelong and it never breaks out.

If you need more answers regarding HIV and AIDS, go to GOGGLE and type in HIV, AIDS, Children and you will get many many sites that will give you all kinds of info.

We must love every child with all our heart because they deserve it. What if a person has a kid that is born with another terrible sickness? Would they love it less? I do not think so. In the western countries, any child is adopted HIV, AIDS or healthy. Nobody cares about all the stigmata and issues that others might have. If you think of doing it, go for it.

Answer 2

I am unaware of any websites that could help, you'd probably have to search for hours.

I believe the biggest issue would be knowing that you child has a very short lifespan, especially if you do not have the means to get the best treatments available. When my nephew was born (mother was HIV positive during pregnancy, AIDS after birth) the first year was a very worrisome time for all of us. Fortunately after a year of testing and monitoring he showed no signs of the infection and by his 3rd birthday he was cleared of the possibility of having the infection.

According to the doctors at the time (in the 90's) if he had contracted the infection the chances of survival in the first year were only about 15% due to infants having an underdeveloped immune system. I do believe now those chances of survival are much higher if treated before symptoms present, but I do believe parents still have to face the inevitable fact that they will outlive their children, adopted or not.

Answer 3

I wouldnt see any major issues with an HIV+ child. AIDS is really a poverty disease and a person who is well nourished and taken care of isn't likely to be ill from having HIV. Many people, even in this country, are dying from AIDS because of poor lifestyle choices and poor nutrition. A child who gets good nutrition is a healthy child w/or without HIV. Most kids in America eat like **** and it starts from being fed crappy formula from birth. Feed a child well and have a happy healthy child

Answer 4

raising HIV positive children

(1) VERY expensive health costs.  may be prohibitive for many

(2) extra care needed, especially with babies.  you'll have to be careful of contact with bodily fluids, etc

(3) though discriminatory and probably even illegal, some daycares may not take children with hiv, because of the additional care required.

taking care of any disabled child is a lot of additional responsibility.

Answer 5

Just make sure they don't bleed in you.