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With the right care, women living with HIV can give birth to children without passing on HIV. Mother to child transmission in the UK is extremely rare (and occurs in less than 1% of cases) because of HIV testing in antenatal clinics and the impact of effective HIV treatment.
Find out more about having a baby when you have HIV.
If you find yourself in a situation like Della where someone has disclosed your HIV status against your will you should seek advice from THT Direct.
If it’s in an employment or healthcare setting they could be in breach of the Equality Act.
If it’s outside of these settings then it may be considered a ‘breach of confidence’ under Civil Law of confidentiality.
Travelling when you have HIV
Only a few countries ban tourist travel for people living with HIV, but some have entry restrictions for longer stays or prevent people living with HIV from settling there. Check Global Database on HIV Travel for entry restrictions before making any travel arrangements.
HIV treatment
People who have HIV and have been on treatment for more than six months and have an undetectable viral load like Della in the film cannot pass the virus on and can expect to live as long as anyone else. If everyone knew this, we could bring an end to stigma around HIV. Not only that, but we could stop HIV transmissions altogether.
If you have HIV, the sooner you start treatment the better it is for your health. HIV treatment is free of charge in the UK to all who need it regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
Testing for HIV
The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested.
If you’ve never tested or it’s been more than a year since your last test, then it’s a good idea to test now. People can live for years unaware that they have it. Most HIV transmissions are from people who don’t know they have the virus and have unprotected sex.
Get an HIV test in person
Get an HIV self test
Get support
If you would like any support or advice relating to HIV call THT Direct on 0800 802 1221 or if you have HIV you can also speak to one of our online counsellors. Alternatively click the ‘Speak to somebody’ button at the bottom of your phone screen.
If you feel something is not right in your relationship or are concerned that you may be suffering from emotional abuse, these organisations may be able to help you:
If you relate to Otis and think you may be hurting someone you care for and need some support, Respect may be able to help you.
These films are dramatisations made with actors and all details have been anonymised to protect the identities of all those who took part in the creative process. Throughout the making of these films people from black African communities have been consulted on an ongoing basis to ensure they reflect real life situations.