Anambra Assembly Makes Genotype Test Compulsory Before Marriage

Anambra State house of assembly are ready passes a bill to make genotype test compulsory before marriage to reduce the number of sickle cell patients in the state.



The new law passed, Tuesday was sponsored by Charles Ezeani member representing Anaocha II constituency and 15 others.

It states that parents and guardians should not give out their children in marriage until a genotype test is carried out.

According to the law, no religious body or marriage registry “shall perform solemnisation of Holy Matrimony”, without presentation of a sickle cell disease prevention certificate from the intending couple.

The law also seeks to reduce abuse, stigmatisation and exploitation victims of sickle cell anaemia go through in the state.

Failure to carry out this test is purnishable as parents, guardians, as well as priests, pastors and marriage registries that perform the marriage without genotype test, risk going to jail.

“Anybody who contravenes the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N200,000 or imprisonment to a term of three years or both,” the law states.