Transitions: The Controversy over Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs
Volume 12, No. 3, March 2001

This Transitions is also available in [PDF] format.

A new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that half of all new HIV infections in the United States occur among youth ages 13 to 24, and sexual transmission accounts for most cases of HIV during adolescence. Noting that pediatricians and other health care providers have a significant role to play in preventing HIV transmission among youth, the Committee on Pediatric AIDS and the Committee on Adolescence recommend that pediatricians should:

• Provide information about HIV infection and AIDS and the availability of HIV testing as essential components of anticipatory guidance to all adolescent patients. The guidance should include information about HIV prevention and transmission as well as the implications of infection.
• Help adolescents understand the responsibilities of becoming sexually active. Provide information on abstinence from sexual activity and use of safer sexual practices to reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Counsel adolescents about the correct and consistent use of latex condoms.
• Discuss HIV testing with all adolescents and encourage HIV testing with their consent for those who are sexually active or substance users.
• Consider the consent of the adolescent as sufficient to provide evaluation and treatment for suspected or confirmed HIV infection.
• Use a negative HIV test result as an opportunity to counsel the adolescent on reducing risk behaviors.
• Help HIV-infected adolescents understand the importance of informing their sexual partners of their potential exposure to HIV infection. Provide this help directly or refer the adolescent to a state or local health department's partner referral program.
• Advocate for the special needs of adolescents for information about HIV, access to HIV testing and counseling, and access to HIV treatment services.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Adolescents and human immunodeficiency virus infection: the role of the pediatrician in prevention and intervention. [Policy Statement] Pediatrics 2001; 107:188-190.