New Jersey to make HIV testing routine for pregnant women and newborns

By TRENTON, NEW JERSEY
HIV testing may soon become part of routine prenatal care and be required for some newborns in New Jersey as part of a bill that supporters contend will put the US state in the forefront of the national fight against HIV transmission to babies. Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey planned to sign the measure into law Wednesday at University Hospital in Newark. Once signed, the law takes effect in six months. "We can significantly reduce the number of infections to newborns and help break down the stigma associated with the disease," Codey said. "For newborns, early detection can be the ultimate lifesaving measure."