SACRAMENTO – In anticipation of June 27th, which is National HIV Testing Day, Assemblywomen Nicole Parra, Bonnie Garcia, and Cindy Móntañez stressed the importance of getting tested for HIV/AIDS.

“It is so important that everyone, but especially women, take the time to get tested,” said Assemblywoman Parra. “I would like to especially encourage Latinas to take precautions and sign up for a test, because the female Latino population has been hard hit by HIV and AIDS. The bottom line is that you can never be too careful.”

“Gone is the day when women could sit back and not worry about contracting HIV,” said Garcia. “We need to be proactive and not take any relationship for granted. Let’s make sure our mothers, sisters and daughters know their status and stay healthy.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2003, heterosexual women accounted for a staggering 26% of all new cases, with African American and Hispanic women accounting for 83% of these diagnoses. Heterosexual sex has been the primary method of HIV exposure for women, with a growing number becoming infected by male partners who had sex with males or sex with needle-sharers.

There are many reasons why fewer women seek care – especially in communities where social and cultural norms may discourage women from speaking out about their sexuality. In some cultures, the promiscuous behavior of male partners is ignored, and in others, seeking assistance brings fear of being stigmatized. As a result, women fail to recognize the early symptoms of HIV/AIDS and avoid raising questions – even with their doctors.

Assemblywomen Parra, Garcia, and Móntañez are taking the opportunity offered by National HIV Testing Day to urge women across California to visit their doctor or any clinic providing testing. With Rapid HIV testing, it is now possible to receive results in about 20 minutes.

Additional information on National HIV Testing Day can be found at www.hivtest.org.