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When debility provides a future: preventing vertical transmission of HIV

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 19:53 authored by Ulla McKnightUlla McKnight, Annette-Carina van der Zaag
In this article we investigate the way in which viral load assays are used to assess the viruses of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive pregnant women who are cared for in an HIV-specialist antenatal clinic in London. One of the viral load assays has been made more sensitive to subtypes of the virus that are considered to be local, possibly reading the viruses of those who have ‘foreign’ subtypes as undetectable. Consequently, the patient might not be offered the kind of care needed to prevent transmission of HIV, as her body is not recognised as sufficiently debilitated. Thus, being identified as a debilitated body in this setting facilitates the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV and the management of the HIV-positive pregnant patient's virus. Further to this, we argue that in our example, having a debilitated body as constructed by the viral load assay is thus a ‘privilege’ that is accorded to HIV-positive persons depending on the geographic origin of their virus. Using Karen Barad's agential realism, we argue that the manner in which HIV is read through the viral load assay constructs a specific woman/foetus/HIV phenomenon. The specificity of this phenomenon directly impacts on the course of care, opening up or foreclosing the possibility of her child having a future free from HIV.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Feminist Review

ISSN

0141-7789

Publisher

Palgrave Macmillan

Issue

1

Volume

111

Page range

124-139

Book title

Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Couples with Mixed HIV Status: Beyond Positive/Negative

Department affiliated with

  • Sociology and Criminology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2019-12-09

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