Genetic testing before marriage has been made mandatory in the next economic development plan (2016-2021), announced Anoushiravan Mohseni Bandpei, head of the State Welfare Organization. “Additionally, families with a child suffering from a disability must undergo genetic testing before having their second child,” he said, the Persian language daily ‘Shahrvand’ reported. Genetic screening before marriage will help identify potential genetic disorders in the next generation, and therefore prevent a myriad of disabilities. The costs of genetic testing will be paid by the SWO if a family cannot afford to pay. Marriages among relatives also require genetic testing.
