Do you find the thought of HIV daunting? We once did, but now we proudly stand #FacingAIDS for World AIDS Day (#WorldAIDSDay).
From the very beginning of our relationship, my partner and I discussed the possibilities of foster care and adoption. While we were open to many special needs, we were adamantly against parenting a child with HIV. Our understanding of HIV was clouded by misinformation, not education. After the birth of our first two children, we felt that adopting a child with HIV would pose a threat to their safety. Fast forward to today, I am now a mother of six, including a child with HIV. We are joining others in #FacingAIDS to demonstrate that HIV is not just a relic from the 1980s; it is a current reality.
What Changed?
The term “ignorance” often carries a negative connotation, but it simply refers to a lack of knowledge. Ignorance is not shameful unless we choose to remain uninformed despite the availability of facts. With a master’s degree in special education, I was well-versed in various special needs, yet my education on HIV/AIDS was rooted in outdated information from my middle school health class in the 90s.
A pivotal moment came when an old friend from my hometown contracted HIV from her partner. At the time, I assumed her future was grim; however, she has since managed her condition successfully through medication, married her soulmate, and they now have the option of having healthy biological children if they choose. Witnessing her journey opened my eyes to the realities of living with HIV and illuminated my own misconceptions.
As my partner and I educated ourselves through trusted medical professionals and reliable sources, our ignorance faded. This newfound knowledge empowered us to say yes to adopting three siblings last year, one of whom has HIV.
Facing Negativity
Unfortunately, not everyone in our circle chose to embrace education. While it saddens me to lose some relationships over this, I cannot control others’ choices. Recently, I broke my own rule about reading comments on a post regarding HIV on a parenting platform. The negativity in the comments was palpable. Many commenters had not even engaged with the article or sought out their own information, yet they called for restrictions on children with HIV in public spaces. It’s important to note that extensive research has shown no transmissions of HIV in schools, playgrounds, or similar environments.
Both the article and a related episode of a health show highlighted that with modern treatments, the risks associated with HIV are minimal. As a mother, I am grateful for these medical advancements. It’s essential to clarify that the presence of HIV does not pose a risk to other children during everyday activities. The treatment my child receives keeps them healthy and prevents the progression to AIDS. For those who are sexually active and HIV-positive, maintaining an undetectable viral load significantly reduces the risk of transmission to partners, but disclosure is a personal choice.
In settings like schools or playgrounds, there is no medical or ethical requirement to disclose HIV status to teachers, administrators, or other parents. While families like mine might choose to share for educational purposes, it is in no way obligatory. HIV is transmitted only through specific bodily fluids, which are not a concern among children. In fact, the virus has never been transmitted through common childhood injuries or accidents.
Combating Stigma
Despite my efforts to educate others, I know that fear can lead to stigmas that may hurt my child. When misinformation prevails, people miss the chance to know an extraordinary individual who enriches the world. The only person in this scenario without a choice is my child, who entered this world with a diagnosis they never asked for. While I could choose ignorance, and others might as well, my child never had that option.
If you began reading this with the same apprehension I once held, that’s completely understandable. It’s not ignorant to seek more information and not simply accept one parent’s narrative. I encourage you to explore resources like this excellent guide on pregnancy and home insemination, consult trusted medical professionals, or check out this insightful blog post on home insemination kits.
Ultimately, the decision on how to approach this topic is yours. My hope is that you will join us in combating stigma and working toward a future free of AIDS, but the choice is yours to make.
Summary
In this reflection for World AIDS Day, Emily Carter shares her journey from ignorance to understanding regarding HIV. Initially apprehensive about adopting a child with HIV, her views changed as she educated herself and witnessed the advances in medical treatment. Emily emphasizes the importance of knowledge, dispelling myths surrounding HIV, and the need to combat stigma, while inviting others to seek information and join the movement toward an AIDS-free future.
Leave a Reply