Mother-to-fetus HIV transmission during amniocentesis - Ethical concerns

Theoretical concerns regarding the increased risk of transmission of HIV from an HIV-infected mother to her fetus during amniocentesis have been confirmed in recent studies. These studies have shown a 2-4 times increased risk of mother-to-fetus HIV transmission as a result of midtrimester invasive procedures, including amniocentesis. In a French study of 1 632 singleton infants born to HIV-infected mothers, the risk of transmission increased from 19% to 37% after amniocentesis. This risk can be reduced significantly if the mother is receiving antiretroviral medication (AZT).