Born HIV-Free: The Key Role of Assisted Reproduction for HIV-Positive Parents

• Thanks to current reproductive technologies, individuals living with HIV who wish to build a family can do so safely and without significant risk of transmitting the virus to their baby
• The first step toward a safe pregnancy is proper management of antiretroviral treatment, which allows the viral load to remain at undetectable levels
• One of the most widely used techniques is known as sperm washing, which carefully processes the semen sample to separate reproductive cells from the biological material that may carry the virus

VALENCIA, NOVEMBER 27, 2025

Despite major scientific advances, many myths and fears still persist in society. That’s why experts emphasize the importance of sharing clear, up-to-date information to help eliminate stigma surrounding HIV. The message in terms of reproductive health is unequivocal: motherhood and fatherhood are fully attainable for HIV-positive individuals, provided they receive specialized medical support from the planning stage through to delivery.

According to the latest data from the Spanish Ministry of Health and the Carlos III Health Institute, it is estimated that approximately 150,000 people are living with HIV in Spain. Experts agree that the first step toward a safe pregnancy is the effective control of antiretroviral treatment, which keeps viral load at undetectable levels. When this is achieved, the chances of transmission drop dramatically. From this solid medical foundation, assisted reproduction techniques can be applied to virtually eliminate any additional risk.

For this reason, assisted reproduction is recommended to minimize the risk of infection, both for the pregnant woman and the future baby. In this regard, Dr. Manuel Muñoz explains: “Accurate information is an essential tool to help people living with HIV understand their options, make informed decisions, and fulfill their desire to start a family—without fear or stigma and with personalized care.”

The Key to a Healthy Baby: Advanced Techniques and Strict Safety Protocols

For women living with HIV, pregnancy is carefully assessed and planned, with close monitoring before and during gestation. Rigorous control of viral load, combined with medical measures appropriate to each stage of pregnancy, can reduce vertical transmission to minimal levels. Strict immunological monitoring and initiating treatment when the viral load is very low or undetectable are essential. Special attention must be paid to infection control during the third trimester and delivery. Although antiretroviral therapy has lowered the risk of transmission to under 1%, a cesarean delivery may be recommended if the viral load is high. “In recent decades, the experience gathered in specialized units has shown that an HIV-positive woman in good health and under proper treatment can carry out a pregnancy without complications and deliver a completely healthy baby,” comments Dr. Muñoz.

For men, one of the most notable options is a technique called sperm washing, which processes the semen sample to separate the sperm cells from the seminal plasma and other components that may carry the virus. Once this process is complete, the sample is frozen and tested to confirm the absence of HIV using molecular biology techniques. The resulting sperm fraction, deemed suitable for clinical use, is then used in intrauterine insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), both of which offer highly reliable and safe results.

“Over a decade ago, IVI celebrated the birth of the first baby conceived at one of our clinics by a couple where the man was HIV-positive and the woman was not. Since then, science has continued advancing toward greater equality in reproductive rights. More and more families are showing that living with HIV is not a barrier to bringing a healthy, much-wanted child into the world—and that gives us great hope for the future,” Dr. Muñoz concludes.