Genetic Counselling Before Marriage in India – What It Is and How It Helps Couples Decide Their Future Partner?
Understand Your Genes. Protect Your Marriage. Safeguard Future Generations.
“Why to talk About Genes Before Marriage?”
When we hear “genetics,” we think of:
- Fancy labs
- Rare diseases
- Complicated science
But genetic counselling is not just for scientists.
It’s for couples who want to build a future without hidden health shocks.
If your marriage has:
- A family history of illness
- Caste/community endogamy
- Blood relation (cousin marriage)
- Tribal/rural background
…then genetic counselling isn’t optional — it’s essential.
What Is Genetic Counselling?
Genetic counselling is a guided consultation with a trained expert to help you:
- Understand your family health history.
- Identify genetic risk factors (like Thalassemia, Sickle Cell, G6PD).
- Decide whether you and your partner need tests.
- Interpret your test results.
- Make informed decisions about marriage, children, and treatment options.
It’s private, non-judgmental, and purely based on science and empathy.
Common Genetic Conditions Checked in Pre-Marital Counselling
|
Condition |
Risk If Undetected |
|
Thalassemia Trait |
Child may be born with Thalassemia Major |
|
Sickle Cell Trait |
Severe pain, anemia, early death |
|
G6PD Deficiency |
Risk from simple medicines, fava beans |
|
Cystic Fibrosis (CFTR) |
Lung and digestive issues in child |
|
Tay-Sachs (in specific ethnic groups) |
Fatal neurological disease |
|
Consanguinity Risks |
Increased risk of birth defects, retardation |
Why India Needs Genetic Counselling (Urgently)
- 1 in 12 Indians carries Thalassemia
- Lack of awareness leads to silent carrier marriages
- 70% of genetic disorders appear in couples without symptoms
- Early counselling = smart family planning
Prevention starts before the problem begins — and counselling is the first step of the prevention.
What Happens in a Genetic Counselling Session?
- Family health history is recorded.
- Risk analysis is done based on your community, background, and partner’s info.
- Doctors may recommend blood or DNA-based tests.
- If both partners are carriers, options are discussed:
- Delayed marriage
- Prenatal testing
- IVF with genetic screening
- Informed reproductive planning
Confidential and ethical decision-making is supported
Real-Life Example:
“Both of us had no illness, but our counsellor said we should do a Thalassemia check.
We were shocked — both of us were silent carriers.
Thanks to Medical Kundali Foundation’s Genetic counselling, we chose IVF with screening and now have a healthy baby.”
— Couple from Pune
Myths About Genetic Counselling in India
|
Myth |
Truth |
|
“It’s only for sick people” |
No — it’s for healthy carriers too |
|
“Too expensive” |
Basic counselling starts at ₹500–₹1000 |
|
“We don’t have any illness” |
Many carriers show no symptoms |
|
“It’s against culture” |
It’s for protection, not rejection |
|
“It reduces chances of marriage” |
It helps to create trust and transparency between couples |
Who Should Definitely Get Genetic Counselling?
- Couples from same community/caste
- Couples related by blood (first/second cousins)
- Individuals with a sibling who had a disability or genetic condition
- Families with history of early death, unexplained illness, or repeated miscarriage
- Couples marrying later in life or after chronic illness recovery
Genetic Counselling Is Not About Fear — It’s About Empowerment
You deserve to start your marriage with:
- Awareness
- Confidence
- Control over future decisions
- Zero regret
Genetic counselling gives you that power — before you commit.
Final Thought: Marriages Built on Genes Without Clarity May Build Generations of Pain. So,
Don’t say, “We didn’t know.”
Say, “We were responsible.”
Say, “We cared enough to check genetic compatibility first.”
Let love meet logical emotion, and tradition meet truth.
Every step including genetic counselling before marriage taken by the Medical Kundali Foundation is with the mission to make every marriage a successful marriage Physically, Emotionally, Mentally, Psychologically, and Genetically. Though we have recently started our mission but rapidly we are taking initiatives to make our mission successful and the day is very close when there won’t be divorces, thalassemia patients, infertility challenges, etc dangerous disorders or diseases.