This is very important, and I am just eager to ask, have you ever truly stopped to consider your blood genotype before making the decision to marry someone? Well, if this hasn’t crossed your mind yet, I'd say that it’s something you should start thinking about seriously. I have come to realize that for many people, this important factor remains overlooked—until they’re confronted with a heartbreaking reality.
While growing up, I often heard phrases like, “Love conquers all.” Yes, love is indeed beautiful and powerful; does it really conquer everything? When it comes to genetic compatibility, love alone simply isn’t enough. In the past, many couples didn’t check their blood genotypes—not because they didn’t care, but because they were unaware of how crucial or relevant it was. Now, with medical advancements and information at our fingertips, ignorance is no longer an excuse for anybody.
Why am I saying this?A few weeks ago, I was on ward rounds at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) when I encountered a situation that left a profound impact on me. It all happened in a private ward; there was an 18-year-old girl lying on her hospital bed, visibly frail. Her breathing was labored, her eyes reflected sheer exhaustion, and she looked like she had endured more pain than anyone her age should ever experience.
And for her mother? She sat by her side, gently stroking her arm, whispering something softly, which I could not hear from where I stood. But the real thing is the exhaustion etched on her face, which tells a story of years of worry, sleepless nights, and heartbreak. Her father stood silently by the window when I observed his face; it was a mixture of frustration and despair. The entire room carried an unbearable weight of tension. And as I stood there, I couldn’t help but wonder—did they know their blood genotypes before they actually got married?
From their demeanor and appearance, they seemed like an educated couple—people who should have been aware of the consequences genetic incompatibility could bring. Yet here they were, watching their daughter fight for her life against a condition that could have been entirely avoided. Do you know the hardest part of that day? Walking out of the ward not knowing whether the girl would survive. That uncertainty has stayed with me ever since.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Even now, many families face this harsh reality every day, most especially in my country, Nigeria. No parent should ever have to endure the pain of watching their child suffer needlessly. No child should have to live a life of pain and hospital visits because of a decision their parents could have prevented.
If you and your partner both have the AS genotype, please take a moment to reflect. If marriage is truly what you want, think carefully about what that decision could mean for your future children. It’s not just about love—it’s about responsibility. Love, no matter how deep, should never be the cause of avoidable suffering for an innocent child.
Understanding genotype compatibility isn’t just a medical recommendation—it’s a life-altering decision. One that could determine whether your child has a healthy, happy life or one filled with pain and chronic illness. For those unaware, when two people with the AS genotype have children, there is a 25% chance that their offspring will inherit the SS genotype, which leads to sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease is a lifelong struggle. It brings unbearable pain, frequent hospital visits, and immense emotional and financial strain to families. It’s a reality nobody should knowingly choose for their child.
So, as you think about your future and the person you want to spend your life with, please pause and ask yourself: Have you considered your blood genotype? Have you thought about the impact your decision could have on the life of someone who hasn’t even been born yet?
Let’s take this as a call to action. Let’s prioritize knowledge and responsibility over fleeting emotions. Let’s ensure that love never becomes a source of avoidable pain.
Because at the end of the day, love should build, not break. It should bring joy, not sorrow. And it should never come at the cost of another’s suffering.
Make the wise choice today!