27.3.1  Opt-in approach to HIV testing

In this approach, you should provide information and individual counselling to the client about HIV/AIDS, about testing for HIV and about the consequences for their lives if they test positive. The pregnant woman is given the choice of either refusing or consenting to a HIV test. This option should be presented in a neutral, supportive manner. Women who ‘opt in’ explicitly request to be tested, and their informed consent is clearly established. The opt-in approach requires an active step by the individual woman to agree to be tested.