Reproduction in couples who are affected by human immunodeficiency virus: medical, ethical, and legal considerations.

Abstract

There has been a transformation in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus from the treatment of complications that define acquired immune deficiency syndrome to the maintenance of long-term health, with an expanding number of antiretroviral medications. Because human immunodeficiency virus infection now is considered to be a chronic disease, couples will be seen in greater numbers for preconception counseling. The ethical and legal implications, including the relevance of the Americans with Disability Act, are complex but support the assistance with reproduction of couples who are affected by human immunodeficiency virus in many instances. All couples who are affected by human immunodeficiency virus, whether fertile or infertile, who want to have genetically related offspring should be seen preconceptionally for counseling and testing. Intensive education involves a multidisciplinary approach to ensure that a couple is fully informed. Determination of whether to offer treatment should be based on the same criteria that are applied to couples who are affected by other chronic diseases. Medical treatment is dependent on the unique circumstances of each couple. In general, the affected partner(s) should be treated aggressively with antiretrovirals and then serum; if applicable, semen testing is required to document undetectable concentrations of human immunodeficiency virus (<50-100 copies/mL).