"Why Are You Pregnant? What Were You Thinking?": How Women Navigate Experiences of HIV-Related Stigma in Medical Settings During Pregnancy and Birth

Having children is a growing reality for women living with HIV in Canada. It is imperative to understand and respond to women's unique experiences and psychosocial challenges during pregnancy and as mothers including HIV-related stigma. 

This qualitative study used a narrative methodological approach to understand women's experiences of HIV-related stigma as they navigate health services in pregnancy (n = 66) and early postpartum (n = 64). 

Narratives of women living with HIV expose the spaces where stigmatizing practices emerge as women seek perinatal care and support, as well as highlight the relationship between HIV-related stigma and disclosure, and the impact this has on women's pregnancy and birthing experiences.

Purchase full article at:   http://goo.gl/a8wEfv

By:   Greene S Msw PhD1, Ion A MSc1, Kwaramba G1, Smith S1, Loutfy MR Md Frcpc Mph2.

• 1 School of Social Work , McMaster University , Hamilton , Ontario , Canada.
• 2 Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital , University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 

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