N.Y. To Offer Moms Babies’ Aids Status

The results of AIDS tests given to all newborn babies in the state will soon be available to their mothers, Gov. George Pataki said Tuesday.

All newborns in New York state are tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, but the results are used for statistical analysis and are not disclosed to the babies’ parents.

Under the new policy, doctors will be required to advise new mothers that they can learn the test results if they want.