Oaxaca approves HIV testing for minors without parental consent

In Oaxaca, the State Congress has approved a reform to the Law for the Prevention and Care of HIV, AIDS, and Sexually Transmitted Infections. This change allows minors to access voluntary, free, and confidential rapid HIV testing without requiring written consent from parents or guardians. The reform aims to remove administrative barriers to diagnosis, noting that up to 95 percent of adolescents aware of HIV risks did not undergo testing due to parental authorization requirements. Additionally, the law mandates HIV testing for pregnant individuals during the first and third trimesters to prevent perinatal transmission.

In Quintana Roo, health authorities and the Executive Secretariat of the System for the Protection of Children and Adolescents (Sipinna) are conducting educational initiatives to reduce stigma. Through talks led by health professionals, the program provides adolescents and families with information regarding HIV transmission, the distinction between HIV and AIDS, and the availability of rapid testing in health centers to promote sexual health and non-discrimination.