Reducing Age of Consent for HIV Testing for Minors (16–18 Years) Without Mandatory Parental Consent (in Special Situations) in India

Uma Gengaiah; Leena Uppal

Uma Gengaiah Associate Professor, School of Gender and Development Studies, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, India.
Leena Uppal Assistant Director, MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child, Greater Kailash Enclave-II, New Delhi, India.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Minors, Parental Consent, HIV Testing, ALHIVs

Abstract

This article examines the existing provisions in various Acts related to child protection in the country with regard to consent. It delves into HIV (Human Immunodefi ciency Virus) testi ng of minors in India. Simultaneously, it notes societal atti tudes towards health and other issues which necessitate revisions in the existing laws, to allow adolescents to make informed decisions about HIV testing. It also brings forth the existing provisions in the laws of a few other countries in the world. Finally, it offers suggestions to revise the existing Indian legislation based on societal trends.

How to cite this article:
Gengaiah U, Uppal L. Reducing Age of Consent for HIV Testing for Minors (16–18 Years) Without Mandatory Parental Consent (in Special Situations) in India. Ind J Youth Adol Health. 2024;11(1):20-24.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.2880.202405

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