Match sickle cell status, not horoscopes before marriage, say experts in Odisha
Experts in Odisha are advocating for couples to screen for sickle cell disease (SCD) status before marriage instead of matching horoscopes, to prevent the genetic disorder. The article highlights the social stigma faced by SCD patients and the efforts of a new alliance and a government program to combat the disease.
Why it matters
This initiative addresses a significant public health issue in India, particularly Odisha, by promoting genetic screening to reduce the prevalence of a debilitating disease and challenging cultural norms around marriage.
Malini (name changed) from Odisha’s Angul district did not have a conventional arranged marriage. Instead of matching horoscopes with her prospective husband, she and her family relied on the couple’s medical reports before agreeing to the marriage.
Malini, 42, has lived with sickle cell disease (SCD) , a genetic disorder affecting red blood cells, since birth. Yet, she went on to have a successful marriage and is now the mother of a healthy 12-year-old son.
Asish, a manager with public-sector Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), was not as fortunate. Despite having a stable and well-paying job, he could not convince his girlfriend’s family that there was no harm in marrying her. Even a renowned haematologist tried to mediate, but the couple’s nine-year relationship eventually failed to culminate in marriage.
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