[Historical aspects, maternity and HIV infection in women].

The aim of this article was to examine historical aspects related to the feminine and to being a mother for deepening the comprehension of motherhood in the context of HIV/Aids infection. We reviewed the traditional role of the woman in society, showing the historical division between the mother, deserving respect and consideration, and the prostitute, marginalized and not worth of respect. In this context, we discuss the sexually transmitted diseases and the social reactions toward these infections in women, especially as refers to motherhood in the context of HIV/Aids infection. The paper emphasizes the presence of socially constructed beliefs about women's behaviors as a factor hampering an effective prevention of STD/HIV/AIDS in women and the great need for reflecting about the strategies for prevention and care.