Can people living with HIV/AIDS have children?

After a person becomes infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the immune system gradually deteriorates, rendering the individual increasingly vulnerable to opportunistic infections and leading to a wide range of clinical manifestations. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a highly dangerous infectious disease caused by HIV infection.

Can people living with HIV/AIDS have children?

Even when individuals living with HIV/AIDS adhere to antiretroviral therapy, vertical transmission from mother to child remains possible, occasionally resulting in congenital HIV infection in newborns. Current medical advances enable prevention of mother-to-child transmission with an efficacy rate exceeding 90%; however, if prevention fails, the risk to the infant is 100%. Therefore, no universal recommendation applies—yet, for the sake of the child’s future health, it is strongly advised against having children. A child born with congenital HIV faces severe challenges affecting physical development and social integration throughout life.

Knowledge Extension: How is HIV transmitted?

1. Bloodborne transmission

HIV can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or blood products—for example, via transfusion of contaminated blood or blood derivatives. Transmission may also occur through the use of unsterilized, HIV-contaminated injection equipment (e.g., syringes, acupuncture needles) or other invasive medical instruments—including dental, obstetric, and surgical tools—that breach the skin.

2. Mother-to-child transmission

HIV can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. When a pregnant woman is infected with HIV, the virus may be present in her genital tract; during vaginal delivery, the infant may become infected while passing through the birth canal.

3. Sexual transmission

Sexual contact is the most common mode of HIV transmission. Although HIV is not human papillomavirus (HPV)—a frequent misconception—the virus spreads primarily through unprotected sexual intercourse. While individual susceptibility and indirect transmission routes cannot be entirely ruled out, unprotected sex remains the predominant transmission pathway; individuals without stable sexual partners face a higher risk of infection.

The above outlines whether individuals living with HIV/AIDS can have children. We hope this information is helpful to you.