Ethics and reflexivity in researching HIV-related infertility

In this chapter, I draw on fieldwork conducted for my doctorate that explored the lived experiences of people living with HIV (PLWHIV). I was interested in PLWHIV who had accessed fertility treatment and child adoption services. HIV-related infertility and adoption are different to other forms of infertility or experiences of adoption because some of those affected may not be biologically infertile. When untreated, HIV can affect reproduction and increase the risk of HIV transmission during unprotected sexual intercourse to both a non-positive partner and potentially an unborn baby. Consequently, PLWHIV who wish to become parents are generally encouraged to access counselling in order to establish safer methods of having children. Fertility treatment or adoption are possible options that avoid the risk of HIV transmission to the unborn baby and partner (Savasi, Mandia, Laoreti & Certin, 2013). In this chapter, I discuss how I managed professional and personal relationships during fieldwork as I researched a small community of PLWHIV.