By KERA News & Wire Services
Dallas, TX –
A new law says Texas health care providers must test a pregnant woman for the virus that causes AIDS during the last three trimester unless she objects. Allison Lowery with the Department of State Health Services says the law, which took effect this month, is meant to save children's lives.
Lowery says mothers-to-be generally will be billed for the test, in a cost expected to be covered by insurance or Medicaid.
The Austin American-Statesman reported Tuesday that Texas previously required medical providers to test expectant women for HIV at the first prenatal visit and at the time of birth.
A woman's HIV status can change during her pregnancy. The department reports that, without treatment, one in four pregnant women infected with HIV could transmit the disease to the baby.
Medina In Debate
Sponsors of a second Republican Governor's debate have decided to include Tea Party activist Debra Medina. As recently as yesterday, the Belo Corporation said Medina did not meet their criteria to join a debate between Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Governor Rick Perry on January 29.
Belo says it decided to include Medina after a political poll released yesterday said 12 percent of likely GOP voters would support Medina. The poll showed Perry with 43 percent of support and Hutchison with 33 percent.
Medina participated in first televised debate KERA sponsored last Thursday.
The Dallas-based Belo TV chain is inviting Debra Medina to join Governor Rick Perry and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in a televised debate among Republicans running for governor. It originally said Medina didn't have enough support to be included in the January 29 event. It says a poll of voters now indicates she should be invited.
TCU student found dead in home
Fort Worth police say the death of a Texas Christian University student whose body was discovered in her home does not appear to be foul play.
Police say the body of the 20-year-old woman was discovered Monday night by her roommate at their off-campus residence. Sgt. Chad Mahaffey says the case does not appear to be a criminal assault, nor is it a homicide, but the investigation continues.
The woman's name was not immediately released. An autopsy has been ordered. A statement from TCU says counseling will be available to students.