Connecticut General Statutes § 19a-90 Prenatal Testing for HIV and Syphilis

Connecticut ‘s statute on prenatal testing for HIV and syphilis requires prenatal care providers to order blood tests for both HIV and syphilis during the first trimester of pregnancy and again at the time of delivery. The purpose is to identify infections early, reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission, and ensure timely medical intervention for both the mother and the newborn. By mandating testing at two stages, the law enhances the likelihood of detection even if exposure occurs later in pregnancy. The statute contains an exemption for women who object to testing on religious grounds, allowing them to decline without penalty, balancing public health objectives with constitutional protections for religious freedom. Failure by a provider to comply with the statute may subject them to professional or administrative sanctions under Connecticut’s public health regulations, though the law does not impose criminal liability on patients who decline. By requiring routine prenatal screening for HIV and syphilis while preserving religious objection rights, § 19a-90 reflects Connecticut’s commitment to preventing congenital infections, safeguarding maternal health, and protecting newborns from preventable diseases. It underscores the state’s role in using medical screening as a frontline public health tool.