Testing newborns for HIV

The state of New Jersey is testing all newborns for HIV to help stem transmission of the deadly disease. Mothers will be allowed to opt out of testing, so informed consent will remain intact. While Illinois tests all newborns and other states have testing policies, HIV rates suggest this policy should be extended nationwide. It would only help newborns get the care they may otherwise not receive and manage transmission rates — as long as mothers retain the right to say yea or nay to testing.