Re: AP AIDS Bill Pros & cons of mandatory premarital HIV testing

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

Mr. Mohanty's letter validates one point-- that young brides

are more vulnerable to being infected by their

prospective husbands than vice versa. If we have

established that fact, then steps should be taken to

protect them. The bride's parents can demand HIV

testing of the prospective groom before marriage.

So it comes down to who has more power in such a

situation. Brides and parents of brides with more

status, power and resources can make such demands--

but brides with parents without such resources

would remain vulnerable-- the same way they are to

abuse, violence and other atrocities after marriage.

Sathi Dasgupta.

E-mail: <sathi_dasgupta@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

I still disagree with Mr. Sathi Dasgupta. Premarital HIV testing will not

be fool proof. If the test is positive, well the things are informative, but

if it is negative, then the chance of bridegroom being in window period

cannot be ruled out. Then the bride is under false assurance and is facing

therefore more risk of getting contacted.

And how can we assume that bride cannot be HIV positive premaritally?

Dr. Nishikant Shrotri

E-mail: <nishparna@...>