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Women, especially, women of color, are one of the highest-risk populations for contracting HIV. The Center for Disease control states "African American and Hispanic women together represent less than one-fourth of all U.S. women, yet they account for more than three-fourths (78%) of AIDS cases reported to date among women in the U.S. In 2000 alone, African American and Hispanic women represented an even greater proportion (80%) of cases reported in women. HIV/AIDS was the 5th leading cause of death for U.S. women aged 25-44 ...Further, for all years combined, young African American and Hispanic women account for three-fourths of HIV infections reported among females between the ages of 13 and 24."

Heterosexual Contact Now Is Greatest Risk for Women The CDC also states "In 2000, 38% of women reported with AIDS were infected through heterosexual exposure to HIV."    Sex with partners that inject drugs plays a big part in this.

How can you reduce your risk? Get tested! Everyone that has participated in risky  behavior needs to be tested. It's the only way to know. Help your partner be safe. If your partner is injecting drugs, encourage him/her to use clean needles and/or bleach kits. Use condoms. Condoms greatly reduce your risk of contracting HIV (as well as other STD's pregnancy, and infections).

Empowerment http://www.empowermentprogram.org - an organization for Women who are HIV positive, which provides education, health, housing, and advocacy services. http://www.women-alive.org/ - A coalition by and for women living with HIV and AIDS http://www.4woman.gov/faq/hiv-aids.htm   - the National Women's Health Information Center http://www.ppfc.ca/HIV/fact_women.html - planned Parenthood fact sheets about Women and HIV Women and HIV selected articles  http://www.natap.org/women.htm Project Inform  http://www.ProjectInform.org/