Get connected to healthcare and other services in your community
Whatever method you choose for having a child, there are many different services available to support you. It is a good idea to start looking into what services are available in your community as early as possible.
Your healthcare team
It is important to have an HIV doctor who you trust and who you feel comfortable talking to honestly. Talk to your HIV doctor about your goals of having a child. Even if you do not plan on having a child for a while, your doctor can answer any questions that you have. In many cities, there are HIV doctors who specialize in pregnancy. If you live in or near one of these cities, you may want to see one of these HIV doctors when you start planning to have a baby.
If you are going to be the biological parent of a baby, you will probably need to see some other healthcare providers besides your HIV doctor. For example, pregnant people should see a healthcare provider who specializes in pregnancy. In many cities, there are obstetricians (doctors who look after pregnant people) who specialize in HIV. If you live in or near one of these cities, you can consider going to one of these doctors for care during pregnancy planning and pregnancy. People living with HIV will need to get pregnancy care from a doctor (usually an obstetrician), but it some cases it may be possible to also get support from a midwife.
People who want to conceive might also need to see other specialists. Just like with your HIV doctor, it is important that you trust these healthcare providers and feel comfortable talking to them honestly.
Other services you might need to access
Besides healthcare, you might need to access some other services when you are preparing to have a child. For example, you might work with a social worker or with someone at an adoption agency. You might also need the help of a lawyer if you are planning on adopting a child or using a surrogate.
You have a right to be treated with respect
People living with HIV have a right to be treated with respect and to access all of the same services as people who do not have HIV. You may want to find healthcare providers and other service providers who have experience working with people living with HIV. If you live in a smaller community this may be more difficult. In that case, try to find healthcare providers and other service providers who are willing to learn about HIV.
It is possible that a healthcare provider or other service provider will treat you unfairly or try to deny you service because of your HIV status. This is called discrimination. If you experience discrimination, you may want to switch to a different service provider. If you feel that a particular worker discriminated against you, you can file a complaint with the organization where the person works.
Find services near you
There are many knowledgeable healthcare providers throughout Canada who have experience working with people living with HIV. Visit www.HIV411.ca to find services near you.