A woman with HIV cannot be sterilised unless she agrees to this. All women, including women with HIV, have the right to have children. If a woman with HIV chooses to get sterilised, the hospital must respect her decision. She does not have to discuss her decision with her husband or get his consent.

CONSENT TO STERILISATION

A woman of 18 years or older can consent on her own to sterilisation. As sterilisation is a medical operation, a girl under 18 must have the consent of her parents or legal guardians before a hospital will agree to the operation.