At the first prenatal checkup, get tested for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B; if one is found, there is free treatment to block transmission to the baby

Cost

Free; the program to prevent mother-to-child transmission provides the tests at no charge.

What you get

Mother-to-child transmission means the disease passing from mother to baby. The Standards for Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B (2020 edition) (《预防艾滋病、梅毒和乙肝母婴传播工作规范（2020 年版）》) set requirements. In early pregnancy or at the first prenatal visit, the hospital must give the relevant information and “provide appropriate, standardized free testing,” so you do not pay for these three tests. Then, depending on the result, it provides post-test counseling or a referral. A positive result is not the end of the road. Article 44 of the Regulations on AIDS Prevention and Treatment (《艾滋病防治条例》) provides that pregnant and postpartum women infected with HIV are given “free treatment and counseling to prevent mother-to-child transmission of AIDS.” Article 43 requires services including blocking transmission (keeping the disease from passing to the baby), treatment, postpartum visits, and follow-up and testing of the infant. If the mother is positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen, the newborn must receive the hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin together at birth (see §20.2).

Notes

The earlier these three are tested, the more useful it is, because blocking transmission and treatment both take time. Article 3 of the Regulations on AIDS Prevention and Treatment also states: “No organization or individual may discriminate against people infected with HIV, AIDS patients or their family members,” and their lawful rights in marriage, employment, medical care and schooling are protected by law. For everyday prevention and testing, see §1. For post-exposure prophylaxis after a high-risk exposure, see §13.

Evidence grade

A : Specific numbers from meta-analyses, large cohorts or randomized trials; for law and policy, the statute or official text.

Sources

1. 国家卫生健康委办公厅 (2020). 预防艾滋病、梅毒和乙肝母婴传播工作规范（2020 年版）. https://wjw.xinjiang.gov.cn/hfpc/zhgl6/202012/08b7de496f0b40e586d4b99d00cf79c4.shtml（新疆维吾尔自治区卫生健康委员会转载）
2. 国务院 (2006). 艾滋病防治条例（第四十三、四十四条）. https://wjw.beijing.gov.cn/zwgk_20040/zcwj2022/flfg/202304/t20230408_2992986.html（北京市卫生健康委员会转载）

Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 27, tip 3. This section is about health and medicines. It is general information, not a substitute for a doctor’s diagnosis or prescription. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer