Why do you guys get blood tests before your wedding?

Question

because we dont

Answer 1

Some states mandate it, some don't. I believe it is to make sure there are no diseases. But I never really thought about it? Maybe its to make sure no one is related ;)

Answer 2

To assure that the couple is not related, closely or otherwise, and also gives a screening for STDs (at least in my state).

Answer 3

The don't do it in Australia but I think it might be to test for the Rh in blood? In Australia they do the blood tests when a woman with a negative Rh is pregnant.

A woman is at risk when she has a negative Rh factor (e.g. O-, A-, etc.) and her partner has a positive Rh factor (A+, O+, etc.). This combination can produce a child who is Rh positive. While the mother's and baby's blood systems are separate there are times when the blood from the baby can enter into the mother's system. This can cause the mother to create antibodies against the Rh factor, thus treating an Rh positive baby like an intruder in her body.

Otherwise it might be to check for diseases that could be passed on, inherited diseases, STDs etc.?

Answer 4

American's used to be tested for syphilis and Gonorrhea. Both the bride and groom were tested and the doctor would tell them. The practice was started when there were no treatments for STDs. Further STD's had to be reported to Public health authorities.

During the 80's with privacy laws enacted to prevent AIDS based discrimination it became impossible because the doctor would be unable to tell people if their potential partner had AIDS

HIPAA created further roadblocks and most states in the US have done away with blood test requirements.

Answer 5

i think its bc they want to make sure that you dont have the same type of blood so that whn you have kids the Dna dont clash bc its the same and you end up having kids with disabilities and i think bc they dont allow ppl with HIV to marry ppl w.o bc it puts ppl at risk of gettin infected.  

Answer 6

To test for certain inherited diseases like Tay-Sachs.  

Answer 7

I have been curious about that too. And I thought both the guy and the girl got them done. I would guess to either check and see if he has any illnesses or other kids or something. Maybe to make sure it is a healthy marriage all the way through. Not really sure.

Answer 8

who is "you guys" and "we". I know I don't have to get one. (Im in ontario).  It seems to be less and less that this is happening. Thank god for me because I have a terrible fear of needles. lol

I think it had something to do with compatible blood types and birth defects of any children you were to have (I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure this is why) since there is now dna testing, and treatment for a lot of these problems it is becoming less and less common to have to get it done.

Answer 9

Maybe to make sure neither the groom nor the bride has STDs . . .  

Answer 10

I live in Alberta Canada.

If I recall, blood tests are no longer required in our province.

When they WERE required, the test was for syphilis.  I'm not sure when the practice started but my guess is that the public health people figured this would be a good way to get syphilis under control.

Answer 11

in my state, it is to ensure one thing only: that neither party has syphilis. seriously. the health dept lets the people know that when going thru the required STD class as they draw the blood. if in doubt about what your state checks for, call the people who do the test and ask what they're testing for.

our law is pretty outdated, lol. it's a devastating disease, true, but not exactly the mainstream one to look out for these days.

as for compatible blood type, i'm not sure why folks would think the state cares about that? that has nothing to do with getting a marriage license. people of differing blood types and RH factors successfully have children all the time. ob/gyns automatically check that when a pregnant female goes in for her check-ups. as for inherited diseases, do you know how many of them there are? thousands. states don't do genetic counseling for marriage licenses - it is far far too expensive to do one every single couple getting married.

Answer 12

Different states have different blood tests they require before marriage.  When I got married 20 years ago, I believe they tested that I had antibodies against measles and German measles, since those are deadly to a fetus if contracted during pregnancy.  I don't think my husband had to get blood tests.