Doctors treating high-risk pregnancies say they are discouraged by the number of children being born in Saskatchewan who are testing positive for HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS.

"I think that it is a foreseeable tragedy," Dr. George Carson, the head of obstetrics at the Regina General Hospital told CBC News, as he noted the high HIV-positive numbers in Saskatchewan newborns.

According to information collected across the country, Saskatchewan accounted for almost one-quarter of the 30 children born with HIV in Canada between 2005 and 2007.

In Saskatchewan, seven babies tested positive in that time. In the rest of Canada, 23 babies had HIV.

"Obviously here's newborns who had no choice in the matter who are HIV positive," Carson said, adding that he believes there is a link to high-risk behaviour such as drugs and unprotected sex.

"We know we've got a huge number of substance-using women. And whether they then get their virus from sharing needles or drug apparatus or they get it because of sex … we know the behaviour that causes HIV."

Carson said many women are leading chaotic lifestyles, and some do not seek medical help with a pregnancy until the baby is due. Carson said others avoid the health-care system, because they are worried authorities will seize their children.

"Their inclination is not to turn up," Carson said. "They know that if they do, the baby is going to be apprehended, and they may be treated somewhat pejoratively. So, what motivation do they have to seek care?"

One woman who has found care, Krista Shore, told CBC News she is doing everything she can to ensure her baby is born healthy.

Leading a high-risk life

Shore is two months pregnant and has HIV.

Three years ago Shore was leading a high-risk life. She said she was addicted to cocaine and morphine, and was injecting several times a day.

Shore thinks she contracted HIV from unprotected sex.

Since becoming pregnant, Shore has been told she will be placed on a strict regime of anti-HIV drugs. Medical experts say the medications are 99 per cent effective in preventing the transmission of HIV to a fetus.

"It's not a piece of cake," Shore said about the medications she will soon take. "There's going to be symptoms and side effects."

However, Shore said she owes it to her child to ensure it does not contract the virus.

"I'm having a child, and I'm HIV positive. I'm going to do everything that I can to make sure my baby is HIV negative."

Dr. Carson believes there are actions that can be taken to reduce Saskatchewan's HIV-positive newborns.

He said attitudes need to change within the health-care profession, so that women will feel comfortable seeking help.

He added that a new mother and baby unit at the Regina General Hospital should help improve things. That wing is scheduled for completion in 2010.

Carson also said that women should not automatically expect they will lose a child, if they come forward looking for help with a pregnancy.

"There are some alternatives," Carson said. "To sort of engage the women, support them, and in some circumstances leave the child with the mother with the appropriate surveillance that they are doing well enough."