2007:01PU WOMEN AND HIV/AIDS
Whereas 1
In 1992, the National Council of Women of Canada urged the Government of Canada to increase research into HIV/AIDS in women, allow women access to clinical trials; and ensure that women have equal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS; and
Whereas 2
In 1999, the National Council of Women of Canada urged the Government of Canada to increase funds for HIV/AIDS programs for women; develop educational programs for the public, physicians, healthcare workers and other professionals to identify and support women with HIV/AIDS; and requested Provincial Councils of Women to develop educational programs for women, pre-teens, physicians, healthcare workers and other professionals; and support women with HIV/AIDS and those at risk of infection, which are often their children, through counseling and financial help; and
Whereas 3
Women continue to be under-diagnosed and anonymous testing is not consistently offered in all provinces and territories; and
Whereas 4
Women continue to be unable to negotiate safer sex because of situations of domestic violence and gender inequality; and
Whereas 5
Medical care and treatment continues to be inaccessible and unaffordable for many women; and
Whereas 6
Many women become infected due to risky drug use practices combined with risky sexual behaviours; and
Whereas 7
Aboriginal Canadian women are disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS;
Therefore, be it
Resolved 1
That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that the needs of women with HIV and AIDS be fully addressed; and be it further
Resolved 2
That the National Council of Women of Canada reiterate to the Government of Canada the need for research, clinical trials and equal access to treatment for women with HIV/AIDS; and to provide education programs for the public and professionals to identify and support women with HIV/AIDS; and be it further
Resolved 3
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
a. Provide anonymous HIV testing in all areas under its jurisdiction
b. Continue promoting the equality of women so that abused women are not vulnerable to HIV infection from their partners; and
c. Provide funding for targeted programs that address drug use and its risks and which acknowledge sex trade as the ripple effect of addictions; and
d. Be more proactive in the global efforts to provide Anti-Retroviral Treatment for AIDS; and
e. Provide more effective prenatal care for aboriginal women, as they are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, so that their children are less likely to be born HIV+; and
f. Strengthen the penalties for knowingly infecting a partner; and be it further
Resolved 4
That the National Council of Women of Canada request Provincial Councils of Women and, where appropriate, Local Councils of Women to urge their respective Provincial Governments to:
a. Provide anonymous HIV testing in all provinces; and
b. Provide funding for more treatment centres and training for more HIV specialists; and
c. Provide funding for needle exchange programs, detox centres and addiction centres; and
d. Provide more effective prenatal care for aboriginal women, as they are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, so that their children are less likely to be born HIV+.