Do you find the idea of HIV frightening? We certainly did, but today we’re standing together in #FacingAIDS for World AIDS Day.
From the moment my partner and I began dating, we discussed the possibilities of foster care and adoption. As we explored the various special needs we were willing to embrace, we both agreed that parenting a child with HIV was something we were uncomfortable with. Our understanding of HIV at that time was rooted in misconceptions rather than informed knowledge. After the birth of our first two children, we convinced ourselves that adopting a child with HIV would jeopardize their safety. However, now I am the proud mother of six, including a wonderful child living with HIV. Today, we join others in #FacingAIDS to demonstrate that HIV is not merely a relic from the past, but a present reality that deserves understanding and compassion.
What Shifted Our Perspective?
In today’s world, ignorance is often seen as a negative trait, but it simply signifies a lack of knowledge or understanding. Ignorance itself is not inherently shameful unless we choose to remain uninformed despite the availability of facts. With my advanced degree in special education, I felt equipped to understand various special needs, yet my education on HIV was stuck in the outdated lessons of my middle school health class.
A pivotal moment came when I learned that an old friend, Sarah, had contracted HIV from a previous partner. At the time, she was younger and single, and I feared the worst for her future. However, thanks to advances in medical treatment, she now manages her condition effectively, has found love, and is even considering having biological children. Witnessing her journey helped me realize how little I truly understood about HIV.
As my partner and I sought information from reliable medical professionals and educational resources, our ignorance dissipated. This newfound knowledge ultimately led us to say yes to adopting three siblings last year, one of whom is living with HIV.
Facing Misunderstandings
Unfortunately, not everyone in our circle embraced this journey of education. While it is disappointing to lose connections due to misunderstandings, we cannot control others’ choices. Recently, I regrettably read comments on a blog post about HIV and on The Doctors’ Facebook page after they discussed pediatric HIV disclosure. The negativity was palpable, with many commenters expressing their fears without having read the article or engaged with the topic. They suggested that children like mine should be excluded from schools, playgrounds, and sports teams, despite extensive research showing that HIV has never been transmitted in such environments.
Both the blog and the show highlighted that with modern treatment, the risks associated with HIV are minimal. Antiretroviral therapy can reduce HIV viral loads to undetectable levels in the blood, ensuring not just my child’s health but also significantly decreasing the risk of transmission to partners among sexually active individuals. It is important to note that in settings like schools or playgrounds, there is no medical or ethical obligation to disclose a child’s HIV status. The virus is transmitted through specific bodily fluids, none of which are typically present in childhood interactions.
Despite my efforts to educate others, I am aware that misconceptions will continue to affect my child. When individuals choose fear over facts, they overlook the incredible potential of a child who enriches the world around them. The only one who did not have a choice in this scenario is my child, who was born into a world with a virus they did not choose.
Encouragement to Seek Knowledge
If you began reading this with the same apprehensions I once held, that’s perfectly okay. It’s natural to seek more information before forming an opinion. I encourage you to explore resources, consult medical professionals you trust, or engage in your own research. For further insight, consider visiting Progyny for valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination or checking out this post for more details on our commitment to education. You can also find essential tools at Make A Mom.
Ultimately, I hope you will choose to join us in the movement towards ending stigma and fostering an AIDS-free generation.
Summary
The article shares a personal journey of transformation from fear and ignorance about HIV to understanding and acceptance. It highlights the importance of education in combating stigma associated with HIV and encourages readers to seek knowledge and make informed choices.