Have you ever found HIV daunting? So did we, but today we’re boldly declaring #FacingAIDS for World AIDS Day (#WorldAIDSDay).
From the early days of our relationship, my partner and I envisioned a future filled with foster care and adoption. As we navigated our preferences for special needs, we were adamant about one thing: parenting a child with HIV seemed out of the question. Our beliefs were rooted in a lack of understanding rather than informed knowledge. After welcoming our first two children, we worried about the safety of adopting a child with HIV. Fast forward to now, and I am the proud mother of six, including one child living with HIV. We are joining others today in #FacingAIDS, proving that HIV is not just a relic from the past but a reality we can confront together.
What Shifted for Us?
Ignorance often carries a stigma, but it simply signifies a lack of information. It becomes problematic only when we choose to remain uninformed despite accessible facts. Despite holding a master’s degree in special education and being well-versed in various special needs, my knowledge of HIV/AIDS was stuck in the confines of my 90s middle school health class.
An eye-opening moment occurred when an acquaintance from my hometown was diagnosed with HIV. Younger than me and single, I envisioned a grim future for her. Yet, today, she manages her condition well with modern medication, found love, and even has the potential for healthy biological children. Witnessing her journey illuminated the extent of my misconceptions.
As my partner and I sought knowledge from reliable medical professionals and educational resources, our ignorance faded. This newfound understanding empowered us to embrace the adoption of three siblings last year, one of whom has HIV.
Facing Stigma
I wish I could say that everyone around us opted for understanding over fear, but that hasn’t always been the case. While it saddens me to face some losses in relationships, I recognize that I can’t control others’ choices.
Recently, I broke my habit of avoiding comments on social media regarding a discussion on HIV in children. The negativity was disheartening. Many commenters hadn’t taken the time to actually engage with the content or seek their own understanding. They expressed fears that children like mine should be excluded from schools, playgrounds, and sports teams. However, extensive research reveals that HIV has never been transmitted in such environments.
Both the blog and a related TV episode highlighted the minimal risks associated with HIV today, thanks to medication that can suppress viral loads to undetectable levels. As a mother, I celebrate these medical advancements. It’s crucial to understand that other children are not at risk because my child is receiving treatment; rather, HIV does not spread through typical childhood activities. The treatment serves to keep my child healthy and prevent the progression to AIDS. For sexually active individuals, maintaining an undetectable viral load significantly reduces transmission risks, though it’s essential to disclose one’s HIV status to partners.
Disclosure and Understanding
In settings like schools or playgrounds, there is no medical or ethical requirement to disclose a child’s HIV status. Some families, like ours, choose to share information to promote education, but we are under no obligation to do so. HIV is only found in specific bodily fluids, none of which are typically involved in children’s interactions. In fact, HIV has never been transmitted through common childhood accidents, such as scraped knees or playful exchanges.
Despite my efforts to inform others, I know that misconceptions can hurt my child in the future. When fear overrides facts, people miss out on the incredible individuals who enrich our lives. My child didn’t choose this diagnosis or the accompanying stigma; it was thrust upon them before they even took a breath. While I can choose to embrace knowledge, others can opt for ignorance, but my child never had that choice.
Seeking Knowledge
If you began reading this with a mindset similar to mine from years past, or if you’re still uncertain, that’s perfectly okay. Seeking knowledge is not a sign of ignorance; it’s a step toward understanding. Explore resources like this one on intracervicalinsemination.com or consult trusted medical professionals. For additional information on enhancing fertility, visit makeamom.com, and don’t miss kindbody.com for excellent insights into pregnancy and home insemination.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose how to engage with this information. I hope you’ll join us in combating stigma and working toward a future free from AIDS.
Summary
This article reflects on the journey of understanding HIV and the importance of education over ignorance, especially in the context of parenting a child with HIV. The author shares personal experiences and encourages readers to seek knowledge to challenge stigmas surrounding HIV.