Living with HIV: challenges in reproductive health care in South Africa

Abstract

Women in Africa are facing discrimination and challenges in relation to HIV/AIDS, particularly regarding their sexual and reproductive health care. This includes a lack of information regarding HIV and pregnancy, difficulties with contraceptive use, negative attitudes towards childbearing, and problems in accessing safe legal abortions. This paper addresses these issues in South Africa, based on an interview study with eight key informants and a literature review. The South African experience should inform policy-making and programmes in relation to HIV and reproductive health care in other African countries.