What are the differences between mandatory, voluntary and outine HIV testing?
Mandatory HIV testing means that you have no choice over whether to be tested or not. Essentially it is a compulsory test that you cannot refuse. Voluntary testing on the other hand is just that: voluntary. It means you have to actively and freely choose to take an HIV test. Routine testing is an HIV test that is offered to everyone within a certain population (for example, pregnant women, or people within a certain age group) on a routine basis. It is also referred to as ‘opt-out’ screening, which means the test is automatically performed unless the individual concerned raises an objection and ‘opts out’. Both voluntary and routine HIV tests require a person’s full written or verbal consent. Because it restricts freedom of choice, and can result in stigmatisation and discrimination for anyone who tests positive, mandatory testing is generally seen as an unsuitable way of combating HIV and AIDS.
