HIV testing & treatment of children

In the last year, courts in Canada, the US, and the UK have decided cases in which child welfare authorities have disputed parents' decisions to refuse HIV testing or treatment for their children. This article reviews recent US developments regarding refusal of treatment, and reports the outcome of a recent UK decision compelling the HIV testing of a minor against her parents' wishes. It then provides an update on two recent Canadian cases concerning a parent's refusal to treat an HIV-positive child with antiretroviral therapy, and a brief overview of the current state of Canadian law on the issue of minors and medical treatment.