Thalassemia is a serious inherited blood disorder caused by faulty genes that affect hemoglobin production, leading to chronic anemia and the need for lifelong medical care. The condition is passed from parents to children through genes-not by lifestyle or environmental factors.
Many individuals carry the thalassemia gene without any symptoms (thalassemia trait or minor). If both partners are carriers, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that their child will inherit thalassemia major-the most severe form, requiring regular blood transfusions and intensive treatment.
Early Detection of Carriers: Identifies if either or both partners are carriers, often before any symptoms appear.
Informed Family Planning: Couples who know their carrier status can seek genetic counseling and make decisions about future pregnancies, including options like IVF with genetic diagnosis or adoptio.
Prevention of Suffering: Prevents the birth of children with thalassemia major, sparing families from emotional and financial hardship.
If both parents are carriers:
25% chance the child will be unaffected
50% chance the child will be a carrier (like the parents)
25% chance the child will have thalassemia major.
If only one parent is a carrier, the child may become a carrier but won’t develop the disease.
Timing: Ideally, couples should undergo thalassemia screening before marriage or early in their relationship.
Testing: A simple blood test (including mean corpuscular volume-MCV, and hemoglobin electrophoresis) can detect carrier statu.
Legal Requirements: In some countries and regions, premarital thalassemia testing is mandatory to reduce the prevalence of the disorder.
In India and many other countries, families often focus on horoscope matching before marriage. Experts now urge that matching blood for thalassemia and other genetic disorders should take priority. Awareness and early screening are the most effective ways to prevent new cases and protect future generations.
If both partners test positive as carriers:
Genetic counseling is strongly recommended
Options include prenatal testing, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), or considering donor gametes/adoption.
Couples can make informed choices to avoid passing on the disorder
On World Thalassemia Day, let’s recognize that a simple blood test before marriage can prevent a lifetime of suffering for your child. Mandatory premarital thalassemia screening is a responsible step for every couple-protecting your family’s future and ensuring a healthier next generation.