SRS (syphilus) test the law???

[stayathomecristi]

This is what the nurse at the m/w's office told me when I told her that I was declining this test for my prenatal testing. I did end up declining (have no exposure), but it's created a little bit of an issue.

Does anyone know how I can find out if this is true? I live in VA.

[stayathomecristi]

I spent a good amount of time over the past few days perusing the "General Laws" of the Commonwealth of VA and the only references I have found to Syphilis say that if you know you have a communicable disease like Syphilis and you intentionally transmit it to another person, then it's a crime and punishable by law.

My guess is that the nurse is up in arms because legally she is required to offer the testing, but she doesn't realize (or hasn't had anybody stand up to her till me) that people can actually refuse what it "recommended".

I still have a bit more research to do and have another mama who is more versed in law checking into it for me. I'll let ya know what I find. In the meantime if anyone does know anything about the subject, feel free to chime in.