Genetic testing before marriage: Is genetic testing necessary before marriage, what is it and why is it necessary?

Genetic testing before marriage: Abu Dhabi's Department of Health has announced mandatory genetic testing before marriage, taking an important step towards reducing the number of genetic diseases. This test for Emirati couples will come into effect from October 1.

In a significant move, Abu Dhabi's Department of Health has made premarital genetic testing mandatory. This screening process will be mandatory for Emirati couples getting married in Abu Dhabi from October 1. The aim of this initiative is to prevent genetic diseases and create a healthy society.

The genetic condition of the couples will be examined

Any of them carry genes that can cause genetic diseases in their children, such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia. The aim of this initiative is to make informed decisions about family planning and reduce the risk of genetic diseases.

What is genetic testing?

Genetic testing is a medical diagnostic procedure that aims to find out if one of the parents has a defect in their genes that could result in a genetic disease in their children. It is mainly used to identify genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.

Why is genetic testing important?

Identification of genetic diseases: Through genetic testing, it can be known that if a couple is a carrier of a genetic disease, then their children are more likely to have this disease.

Risk assessment: If a couple already has a history of any genetic disease in their family, this test informs them about the possible risks and helps them make better decisions.

Community Safety: This initiative is beneficial not only at the individual level but also for the society. This will reduce the cases of genetic diseases and future generations will get a chance to live a healthy life.

What are the lessons for India?

Dr. Srinidhi Naithani, Consultant Hematologist and Oncologist, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, has appreciated this initiative and described it as an ideal benchmark for India. Mandatory genetic testing has not yet been implemented in India, but the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued guidelines on it.

“India has a population of 1.4 billion, and a large proportion of infant and child deaths are due to genetic defects, which are often not diagnosed,” said Dr. Naithani.

How will Abu Dhabi's initiative help?

The test will be available at 22 centers in Abu Dhabi, identifying 570 genes and 840 genetic defects. Through this test, couples will be able to get accurate information about their genetic status, so that they can make informed and solid decisions about the future of their family.

future plan

Along with mandatory genetic testing, this initiative is also part of genetic counselling. During counselling, couples are given detailed information about genetic diseases and are informed about their options. This not only helps them plan their families better, but also reduces the burden of genetic diseases in the society.