First Lady Urges Expectant Mothers to Get HIV Tests

First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton urged pregnant women Monday to be tested for the virus that causes AIDS “so babies can be saved.”

Mrs. Clinton opened the Pediatric AIDS Foundation’s three-year campaign to promote the benefits of screening for HIV. Medical advances can dramatically reduce the chances of transmitting the AIDS virus to a newborn if doctors know ahead of time that the mother is infected, she said.

“With the guidance of doctors and counselors and the vigilance of mothers, we can prevent infections in new babies,” she said in an East Room ceremony.

With a huge drawing by a child as a backdrop, Mrs. Clinton also said anti-AIDS spending in the federal budget must be protected.

“We cannot let budget politics threaten our ability to prevent HIV-infected babies,” the First Lady said.

“Mothers should be tested for HIV so babies can be saved.”

The foundation was co-founded in 1988 by Elizabeth Glaser. Her widower, actor Paul Glaser, spoke at Monday’s event.

About 6,000 HIV-infected mothers in the United States give birth each year. Without treatment, 25 percent of their children will be infected. Treatment can reduce that rate to 8%, the foundation says.

Also on Monday, Miss America Heather Whitestone presented Mrs. Clinton the Woman of Achievement Award.

The annual award from the Miss America Organization, given to women committed to social causes and issues, comes with a $25,000 grant. The money is donated to a charity chosen by the recipient.