S2704

26 Dec: Weinberg Measure To Help Protect Mothers And Newborns From HIV

NEWARK – A measure sponsored by Senator Loretta Weinberg to provide pregnant women with early testing for HIV as a way to protect their babies from contracting the virus that causes AIDS was signed into law today by Acting Governor Codey.

“As every mother knows, there is nothing more beautiful than a healthy newborn baby,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen. “This new law will help expectant mothers find out if they have HIV so they take the steps needed to protect the health of their babies.”

21 Jun: Codey/Weinberg Bill To Combat Hiv Transmission To Newborns Approved By Both Houses

TRENTON – In a move that could put New Jersey at the forefront in the national fight against HIV transmission to newborns, both houses of the legislature today approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) and Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) that will require all pregnant women to be screened for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), as well as newborns whose mother’s HIV status is either positive or unknown at the time of delivery.

“For newborns, early detection can be a life-saving measure,” said Sen. Codey. “By making HIV testing a routine part of prenatal care, we can significantly reduce the number of infections to newborns and also help break down the stigma associated with the disease.”

07 Jun: Codey/Weinberg Bill To Combat Hiv Transmission To Newborns Approved By Senate Health Committee

TRENTON – In a move that could put New Jersey at the forefront in the national fight against HIV transmission to newborns, a Senate panel today approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) and Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) that will require all pregnant women to be screened for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), as well as newborns whose mother’s HIV status is either positive or unknown at the time of delivery.

“When you ask most expecting parents whether they’re hoping for a boy or a girl, the response, almost universally, is that it doesn’t matter, as long as they’re healthy,” said Sen. Codey. “That’s what we’re striving for and that’s what we hope to achieve with this bill. For newborns, early detection can be a life-saving measure.”

23 Mar: Codey To Introduce Bill Mandating Hiv Screening For Pregnant Women And Newborns

TRENTON – In a move that could put New Jersey at the forefront in the national fight against HIV transmission to newborns, Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today announced that he is introducing a bill in the Senate that would require all pregnant women and newborn babies to be screened for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), making New Jersey the only state to require universal statewide testing for both.

“The key in the fight against HIV and AIDS is early detection and treatment,” said Sen. Codey. “For newborns this can be a lifesaving measure. If early detection can help reduce newborn infections and improve the quality of life for newborns and women that are infected, then by all means, we should be doing it.”