The Jamaica Star :: Health :: Should funeral homes refuse HIV?Aids bodies?

Dear Counsellor:

I have a relative who is very ill with AIDS. Should this relative die, can the funeral; directors refuse his body?

Worried Relative

Dear Worried Relative:

The funeral homes should not refuse your relative's body. Funeral homes are required by human rights law not to discriminate against deceased people or their families based on the HIV infection or the AIDS diagnosed dead person. Funeral homes must ensure that they assemble a staff capable of carrying out their mission and there is a need for greater educational efforts to ensure that all staff understand how HIV is transmitted and follow recommended safety precautions.

Dear Counsellor:

Should i go ahead and have sex?

I am a teenage girl and I'm a little confused. The thing is that I'm not ready to have sex, but I want to be close to my boyfriend and show him that I love him.

Teenage Girl

Dear Teenage Girl:

You should consider the following:

1) Would having sex before you are ready really make you closer?

2) Doesn't being close mean loving each other to support each other's choices? What about your choices not to have sex?

3) Will you feel better about yourself if you and your partner agree to be close and loving in other ways until you're ready to have sex?

Remember how you feel about yourself plays an important part in your decisions about sex. You must make sexual decisions that help you feel good about yourself. Making decisions that work for you can increase your self-esteem.

Can I get HIV from anal sex?

Dear Counsellor:

My boyfriend has introduced anal sex to me and I'm confused because it is not something I want to be involved in but I love him and would like to please him.

Anxious Girlfriend:

Dear Anxious Girlfriend:

Yes, you can get HIV from anal sex. The lining of the rectum is thin, easily torn and is often injured during anal intercourse, which makes easy entry for bacteria and viruses, such as HIV. Whether you are a male or female, unprotected anal sex with a partner who is infected is the most risky sexual activity for spreading HIV.

While condoms can provide protection, they break easier during anal sex than during vaginal and oral sex. Therefore, anal sex even with a condom is risky. It is important for you to note that if you or your boyfriend is not infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections then you won't become infected.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free at1888-991-4444.