New Texas law requires physicians to test pregnant women for STDs

posted 01.14.10

Texas physicians who care for pregnant women must now test every pregnant woman under their care for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B unless she objects under a new law that went into effect Jan. 1, 2010. The tests must take place during the pregnant woman’s first prenatal visit and at delivery.

The law requires a second HIV test to be conducted during the third trimester or on her admission for delivery if there is no record of the third-trimester test, and provides for expedited testing of the mother and newborn at delivery.

For more information, read the DSHS fact sheet or go to the testing and pregnancy page of the DSHS website, www.dshs.state.tx.us/hivstd/info/pregnancy.shtm.