Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Doctor Advocates Premarital Genetic Screening in India
A doctor is saying that before people get married, they should get genetic screening.
This is because in India, many children have serious health problems that come from their parents' genes.
When people marry someone from their own family or community, there's a higher chance that their baby could have these problems.
The doctor says that it's important to know about these risks before having children, so that families can make informed decisions.
She also mentions that while there are no cures for most of these genetic disorders, getting screened can help prevent them.
The doctor wants people to understand that genetic screening is not about being scared, but about being aware and making better choices for their future children.
India has a high burden of recessive genetic conditions, often passed on unknowingly by carrier parents.
Consanguineous marriages increase the risk of children inheriting genetic disorders from both parents.
Genetic screening is crucial before marriage, especially within the same community or family, or if there's a family history of genetic disorders.
Common genetic disorders include MLC (Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy), a severe neuro-genetic condition.
Prevention through genetic screening is emphasized as most genetic disorders lack proven cures.
- Who
- Dr. Anaita Hegde, Senior Consultant in Paediatric Neurology and Head of Neurosciences Department at Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital, Mumbai.
- What
- Advocacy for premarital genetic screening to prevent genetic disorders in children.
- When
- The article does not specify a particular time frame, but it is a current advocacy.
- Where
- India, with a focus on regions and communities with high consanguineous marriage rates.
- Why
- To prevent the inheritance of recessive genetic disorders that can lead to serious health complications in children.
- High Burden of Genetic Disorders
- India has one of the highest global burdens of recessive genetic conditions.
- Consanguineous Marriages
- High prevalence in some regions and communities, increasing genetic disorder risks.
- Genetic Screening Importance
- Essential for marriages within the same community or family, and if there's a family history of genetic disorders.
- Common Genetic Disorders
- Includes MLC (Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy), a severe neuro-genetic condition.
- Prevention Over Treatment
- Most genetic disorders lack proven cures, making prevention crucial.
- Changing Mindsets
- Awareness about genetic screening is growing, but traditional practices persist.
- Genetic Screening Accessibility
- Becoming more accessible in India, enabling informed reproductive choices.