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Doctors are calling for all expectant mums to be tested for HIV.
They say the current practice of testing only women deemed to be at risk is jeopardising the health of babies. But the suggestion is already being labelled a waste of resources.
Many pregnant women say they would welcome the peace of mind that the $11 test would bring, stating that it is best for women to know whether they and their child are safe.
But for the past three years ante-natal HIV testing has only been offered to pregnant women identified by doctors to be at risk.
Obstetrician Rosemary Reid says studies in other countries show high risk only screening has a poor pick up rate.
Since 1995, 13 women at National Women's Hospital in Auckland have been detected with HIV, but only one case was picked up by high risk screening.
Sue Bagshaw from the Family Planning Association says screening routinely as standard practice would decrease the stigma that surrounds HIV.
"You make it part of all the other tests we do like syphilis, hepatitis B and rubella," Doctor Bagshaw said.
Doctors say routine testing would reduce the risk of HIV transmission to a baby from 28% to 1% by the use of drug therapy, a caesarean birth and bottle feeding.
However, others say it is a waste of resources testing tens of thousands of women to pick up just a few cases each year.
Sandra Coney from Women's Health Action said to impose the test on well women is not in their best interests.
The Ministry of Health has asked the national health committee to look at the idea of routine testing in light of the repeated calls from doctors. The committee will not be reporting back until early next year - a delay which doctors say may well put more babies at risk. Last year 35 women in New Zealand were diagnosed with HIV.
The test is offered to all pregnant women in Britain and in most states in Australia.
