To combat the HIV/AIDS scourge, nations across the world have joined forces. Preventing the transmission of this condition from mother to child is among the initiatives that have been developed (HHS, 217). This initiative is largely in line with the America Nursing Association’s ethical guidelines. One of the provisions of these guidelines is that nurses should endeavor to treat all with respect without making considerations for “the nature of the health problems” (Fowler, 2010). HIV/AIDS patients have historically endured prejudice and discrimination. The prevention of mother to child transmission is clear indication that the nursing community is committed to preserving the dignity of patients.
The other provision contained in the ethical guidelines is that nurses should have patients as their primary commitment (Fowler, 2010). This means that nurses should institute all necessary measures to safeguard the health of patients. When dealing with HIV/AIDS patients, nurses usually risk contracting the condition ( Anígilájé , Ageda & Nweke, 2016). Despite this risk, the nurses involved in the prevention of mother to child transmission, place their own wellbeing on the line. This suggests that the prevention of mother to child transmission is consistent with ethical guidelines. The need for nurses to advocate for the rights of patients is another ethical guideline that nurses uphold when involved in prevention of mother to child transmission.
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While nurses endeavor to uphold ethical guidelines, they have failed in various respects. For example, in developing countries, mother to child transmission still occurs despite the efforts of the medical community (“Africa Prepares to Eliminate”, 2010). This reality can be blamed on the failure of nurses to fully uphold the code of ethics. One of the requirements of the code of ethics is that nurses should improve the healthcare environment (Fowler, 2010). The application of this ethical principle will undoubtedly enhance the prevention of mother to child transmission.
References
Africa Prepares to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV by 2015. (2010).
Retrieved 1 st September 2017 from http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2010/may/20100526pmtct
Anígilájé , E. A., Ageda, B. R. & Nweke, N. O. (2016). Barriers to Uptake of Prevention of
Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV Services among Mothers of Vertically
Infected HIV-Seropositive Infants in Makurdi, Nigeria. Patient Preference and
Adherence, 10, 57-72.
Fowler, M. D. M. (Ed.). (2010). Guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses. Interpretation and
Application. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (HHS). (2017). Preventing Mother-to-Child
Transmission of HIV. Retrieved 1 st September 2017 from https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/fact-sheets/20/50/preventing-mother-to-child-transmission-of-hiv
