Understanding Blood Tests Before Marriage: Myths and Realities

No, a blood test before marriage is not to detect 'conflicting blood types.' This myth is based on a series of misunderstandings about what such tests are actually for and what they can (and cannot) tell you.

Historical Context

Many decades ago, a blood test for syphilis was one of the standard procedures before getting a marriage license. It was not done to check for 'conflicting' blood types, which is a nonsensical idea. This practice, now outdated, served a specific purpose in protecting public health and individuals.

Why the Test Was Done

The blood test was primarily used to detect syphilis, a serious sexually transmitted disease (STD) that was incredibly prevalent before the advent of antibiotics. Syphilis could lead to severe health issues and even death, including insanity and blindness. Prior to its treatment with penicillin, syphilis was a significant health hazard in many populations.

In the early 20th century, the VDRL (Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory) test was used to screen for syphilis. This test was required to get a marriage license, as it ensured that individuals were not contracting and potentially passing on this dangerous disease. The primary goals of the test were:

To protect the marriage partner from contracting the disease as a result of the union. To protect public health by identifying carriers who were not previously aware they were infected.

Modern Times and the Decline of the Test

In recent years, the practice of requiring blood tests for syphilis before marriage has largely declined. As of the 1990s, most states in the United States no longer mandate this test. In fact, by 2023, all but a few states have dropped the requirement altogether. Antibiotics have made syphilis much more treatable, thus reducing the need for such tests.

Historically, in the period from 1949 to 1979, the test was also used to ensure that veterans of foreign wars were not marrying someone who had contracted syphilis while overseas. The test was mandatory for marriage and hospital admission in some regions during this time. While specific testing practices may vary by region and time, the primary purpose remained the detection of syphilis.

Current Perspective

Today, there is no significant concern about 'conflicting blood types' in a marriage context. Blood types are not a factor that should prevent individuals from marrying. However, it is important to note that Rh incompatibility between a mother and her partner can cause health issues for future pregnancies. While this is managed by medical means and does not necessitate a pre-marriage blood test.

Summary

The blood test before marriage was never intended to check for 'conflicting blood types.' Instead, it was a critical measure to detect syphilis, a life-threatening STD. With the advent of antibiotics, the need for such tests has significantly diminished. In today's world, the state does not mandate such tests, and they are primarily a thing of the past.

Understanding the historical context and the real purpose of these tests can help dispel myths and ensure informed decision-making when it comes to personal health and marriage practices.