But just as Harriet Tubman, one of the most celebrated women in Black history, transcended her circumstances by first escaping slavery and then creating a way for others to save themselves, every Black female can both protect herself from HIV and help create an environment in which other Black people can protect themselves. But how can Black women do this in a world where they shoulder disproportionate family responsibilities, are often poorer and in worse health than other women, and are frequently abused and disrespected? And how can our community help them?
One of the most important decisions that a Black woman can make is to find out her HIV status. Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center, says it best: "If you love yourself, you will insist upon your partner getting tested, and you will insist that you get tested as well." Even today, one in five Americans living with HIV don't even know that they have it. But there is no longer any excuse for this state of affairs. HIV testing is readily available -- often at no or reduced cost -- at many doctors' offices, public health centers, community outreach events and churches. And if you're scared of blood or needles, you can ask for an oral test, in which a swab is merely run across the inside of your cheek. Generally results are available in less than an hour. But no matter which method you select or where you decide to get it done, every sexually active Black woman needs to get HIV-tested at least once a year -- and more often if you have more than one partner, are concerned about your partner's sexual faithfulness, or are uncertain of his or her status.
