Routine human immunodeficiency virus infection screening of women requesting induced first-trimester abortion in an inner-city population

Abstract

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among reproductive-age women occurs disproportionately among inner-city minority populations. These women are at risk because of intravenous drug abuse and heterosexual transmission from partners infected through drug abuse. From July 1, 1988 to December 31, 1988, we conducted routine voluntary screening for HIV antibody among 923 women who requested induced first-trimester abortion at Grady Memorial Hospital. Eight (8.7 per 1000) women were seropositive on repeat enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot testing. Two infected women had had heterosexual contact with a person at risk for HIV infection, two others reported "crack" cocaine use, and four acknowledged no risk factors. Thirteen percent of seronegative women reported risk factors for HIV infection. Nearly all women consented to HIV testing, and most completed the risk-behavior questionnaire. These data suggest that women seeking first-trimester abortion at our hospital are at risk for HIV infection.