Access to contraceptives for people living with HIV is a sexual and reproductive justice issue. It is just as critical for people living with HIV to have agency over the decisions they make regarding using contraceptives, falling pregnant, having an abortion and other areas of sexual health, as any other person. Unfortunately, people living with HIV often face stigma and discrimination when seeking information about their sexual health, which severely restricts their bodily autonomy.
Understand that if you are HIV+, you have the right to access information and services regarding your sexual health. You also have the right to make informed decisions on the type of contraception that is best for you. As an HIV+ person, you may be subjected to healthcare providers encouraging you to opt for long-term methods of contraception, as opposed to hormonal contraception. While a long-term method might be your preferred option, hormonal contraception is a short-term method of contraception and therefore gives you more agency and choice.
There also exists the reality of forced, non-consensual sterilisation experienced by HIV+ people who can fall pregnant. This is a violent infringement of a person’s rights to dignity and bodily autonomy and is against the law.
