Should I Inform My Potential Spouse That I Am a Carrier for a Genetic Disease?

Answered by Ustadh Salman Younas

Question: If one has a genetic disease or syndrome or is a carrier for a disabling disease or syndrome, then should they declare this to a potential spouse? Is the marriage valid if failing to do so?

Answer: assalamu alaykum

While this would not effect the validity of a marriage contract, there is an expectation of honesty and openness between the two potential spouses when it comes to issues of such nature.

This is particularly the case when it comes to diseases and conditions that (a) have a reasonable possibility of being transmitted to others, such as future offspring, (b) have a significant negative impact on the affected, and (c) are of the type that people generally wish disclosed. Thus, for example, disclosing that one’s family has a history of heart disease or diabetes in old age is not something that families generally care for. Similarly, one may possess certain gene combinations that lead to defects in offspring but the possibility of this actually occurring is only slight.

As such, you should look at the type of genetic disease and decide whether it is important to disclose it to a future spouse based on some considerations above. It may also be useful to consult a professional in regards to the transmission of this disease, its possibility, and so forth.

Salman

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani