Question
How risky is an abortion if I am positive?
19 April 2012. Related: All topics, Pregnancy, South Africa.
I am HIV positive and pregnant.
I am thinking of having an abortion, how risky is it?
Answer
I hope you don’t mind if I start off by asking you if there is a particular reason why you want to have an abortion, also known as TOP (termination of pregnancy). Is it because you are worried that the baby may be born positive? If that is the main reason why, then it might be useful for you to know that with access to and correct use of ARVs (anti retroviral treatment for HIV), care and support, many women living with HIV continue to have healthy HIV negative babies.
It may be, however, that you already have the information above and this is a decision you have chosen to go ahead with. In which case, if the abortion is carried out using the right procedures, in a hospital and with the right treatment and care, then it should not carry any more risks than it would for an HIV negative woman.
Finally, having a termination and having a baby when you are HIV positive are your decisions and your right. As you are based in South Africa, you may find it helpful to read TAC’s (Treatment Action Campaign) guide to Pregnancy in our lives. Section 1.45 has more information on the principles affecting decisions about TOP.
Best wishes
Hi Craigo, being HIV positive will not impact on her being able to have an abortion. Being HIV positive should not be a deciding factor about having an abortion (if this is a contributing factor). HIV treatment can prevent transmission to baby in 99% of cases.
Ma girlfriend is HIV positive and she’s 3 weeks pregnant, is it safe for her to do abortion ..?
Hi Pasha, I am sorry that it sounds like you are having a difficult time. Without more details it is difficult to comment, but do you have anyone else you can talk to about this?
i-Base is an HIV organisation and you didn’t say if you are HIV positive?
HIV is not a reason to have an abortion though as many women living with HIV have children. HIV treatment stops a baby from having HIV.
I’m 19 years and I have to do abortion let me hope it’s safe
Hi Patricia, yes it is safe to have an abortion. Your HIV status will not change the health risks of having an abortion.
Am 42 year am positive l want to have an abortion l hope it’s safe
Hi Doris,
Being positive won’t have any impact on your having an abortion.
Iam HIV positive i want to carry out abortion, and am 2months pregnant, hope it will be save am on treatment