Reps move to make genotype tests mandatory before issuance of marriage certificate

A bill seeking to make genotype tests compulsory for people planning to get married has passed a first reading at the house of representatives.

The bill, which is sponsored by Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the house of representatives, scaled a first reading on Wednesday.

The proposed legislation intends to make genotype screening mandatory before the issuance of a marriage certificate, in a bid to reduce incidence of sickle cell disease.

The bill aims to ensure that partners are aware of their genotypes before marriage to tackle the prevalence of genetic disorders.

A genotype test analyses a person’s inherited traits to identify the specific genes passed down from parents.

In the case of haemoglobin, the test will determine an individual’s genotype as AA, AS, or SS, providing vital information about the risk of sickle cell disease and carrier status.

Section 3 (1) of the bill states that no registry shall issue a “marriage certificate unless both parties have undergone genotype screening”.

Sub-section 2 adds that “the results of the genotype screening shall be submitted to the marriage registry before the issuance of the marriage certificate”.

The proposed law stipulates that genotype screening must be conducted in health facilities approved by the ministry of health or any other designated health authority.

PENALTY

According to the bill, a marriage certificate issued in violation “of this Act shall be considered null and void”.

The bill also stipulates penalties if passed into law.

Section 7 (1) states: “Any person or entity that issues a Marriage Certificate without complying with the provisions of this Act commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N500,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both”.

Sub-section 2 says: “Any health facility that provides false genotype results or engages in fraudulent practices related to genotype screening commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N1,000,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both”.

A similar bill introduced in the 9th assembly did not see the light of day.