Would you have your adoptive baby tested for HIV?

Question

In this case parents were from Africa.

Answer 1

Absolutely I would.

I don't know if it would stop me from adopting, but at least I'd be educated to take care of my child.

Answer 2

I sure would.

Answer 3

Children adopted from Africa must have HIV tests done before they are allowed to get their visas to come to the US.  All bloodwork done in any third world country should be repeated upon getting to the US, however.

Answer 4

Wouldn't have traded him for the world. HIV or not!

ETA- because of privacy rights, we were unable to get him HIV tested until the adoption was final and we had OUR names on the birth certificate. They say it's because if he tested positive then it was for sure that his mother had it too and it would violate her privacy. BTW he was negative.

Answer 5

Your adopted baby will be tested and fully checked out by a doc before you finish the adoption process.

Answer 6

of course...I believe if afterwards you find the child HIV positive....definitely we will repent and ill treat the baby. but if our natural baby was HIV positive we accept.....in adoption we always think why did we take the burden...

Answer 7

Yes, you need to know all you can about your child's medical health.

Answer 8

Yes...I dont wanna catch that stuff. It's nasty.

Answer 9

Yes and I did

Answer 10

Yes, we would and did. A previous answerer is correct that testing is done before an adopted child is approved to enter the US. I would (and we did) do testing again after we brought her home, because HIV status can change or be inaccurate (as can other diseases) and  it is important to know any health issues up front so that they can be treated.

And it isn't just HIV. Our daughter was tested for Hepatitis B, typhoid, and a battery of metabolic disorders that could severely affect her health if they went unnoticed. We also did neurologic testing, hearing tests, vision tests. Also any vaccinations done should have titers checked or just be repeated. We didn't know all the things to do ourselves. We went to an adoption specialist in Oakland, and there are such specialists around the country.

As an aside, we were tested for HIV also, as part of being approved to adopt.

Answer 11

Yes. I would have her tested for everything regardless of where she was from.

Answer 12

Yes, most agencies already have babies tested for most things like that before hand if not then yes i would have the test run as soon as I could.  It wouldn't affect me wanting the baby because once you fall in love with a baby that is it but I would want that information.  Really since you don't know where most adopted children are coming from they should be tested for big things like that, that could affect their lives in a major way.

Answer 13

yes, if there was an issue of risk. early diagnosis means better prognosis.

Answer 14

Yes, in fact i'd have tests for a variety of things. I think its a good idea even more if you don't have any medical information.

Answer 15

Yes!  An early diagnosis could drastically improve his/her quality of life and life expectancy.

Answer 16

I would assume the adoption agency does tests like that.  But if they don't then yes I would.