H. Women prisoners

44. Special attention should be given to the needs of women prisoners. Staff dealing with detained women should be trained to deal with the psychosocial and medical problems associated with HIV infection in women.

45. Women prisoners, including those who are HIV-infected, should receive information and services specifically designed for their needs, including information on the likelihood of HIV transmission, in particular from mother to infant, or through sexual intercourse. Since women prisoners may engage in sexual intercourse during detention or release on parole, they should be enabled to protect themselves from HIV infection, e.g., through the provision of condoms and skills in negotiating safer sex. Counselling on family planning should also be available, if national legislation so provides. However, no pressure should be placed on women prisoners to terminate their pregnancies. Women should be able to care for their young children while in detention regardless of their HIV status.

46. The following should be available in all prisons holding women:

· gynaecological consultations at regular intervals, with particular attention paid to the diagnosis and treatment of STDs

· family planning counselling services oriented to women s needs

· care during pregnancy in appropriate accommodation

· care for children, including those born to HIV-infected mothers

· condoms and other contraceptives during detention and prior to parole periods or release.