What ever happened to mandatory blood tests in the United States before allowing a marriage? I have researched blood test requirements by state online and it appears that most do not require one at all now.
Looking into past blood test requirements I found out that: In the 1930s & 40s, blood testing to screen for syphilis and or rubella became a prerequisite for obtaining a marriage license in most states.Sexually transmitted diseases were extremely common during that time. Premarital blood tests identified those who were infected and gave them a chance to seek medical treatment before infecting their future spouse. While rubella is not a serious disease for adults, it can be extremely dangerous to an unborn fetus. Premarital testing for rubella was designed to protect the health of a newlywed couple’s unborn children.
This raises the question “Why don’t all states require blood testing still? With increased infection rates of HIV/AIDS, Herpes, etc. this appears to be a healthy provision. It is my understanding that the goal to keep the majority healthy and safe is to prevent further spread of such disease…
Click this link to the CDC for more information on disease statistics.
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In 1981 my husband and I married in Arkansas and it was require us. We were told our blood types were not compatible. I am b- and he is O+. It’s not required now.
I also read that marriage laws change all the time… So in the list above Indiana shows as yes for blood test and now it is not required evidently.
Just got married in Indiana last year, no blood test required.
Do you believe blood tests should still be mandatory?
NOT only disease but genetic incompatibilities: Blood type (rh factor), downs syndrome, etc. It’s also not like the US doesn’t need jobs or anything…that can be out sourced right?!