South China's Guangzhou will promote free premarital tests for
couples across the city next month, taking the lead in offering
tests to reduce the number of hereditary and infectious diseases
among infants.
Couples can take advantage of the government-funded tests
covering 11 different checks as long as one of them is registered
as a permanent resident of Guangzhou, according to Wang Xiaoling,
vice mayor of Guangzhou.
The number of premarital check-ups dropped sharply among new
couples when the tests became voluntary in October 2003 in
China.
In Guangzhou, the rate has fallen to seven percent from ninety
percent when compulsory premarital tests were required.
As a result, the incidence of birth defects is on the rise
across the country. In Guangzhou, the incidence has risen to 0.17
percent from 0.13 percent in 2003.
Nearly one million babies are born in China with defects
annually, primarily cleft palette, neural tube defects, extra
fingers or toes, congenital heart disease or water on the brain,
according to the Ministry of Health.
Experts say that if 80 percent rate of couples undergo a
premarital check-up then the incidence of birth defects will be
lowered.
Many local governments are keen to adopt a similar approach.
In Beijing, free premarital check-ups -- currently only
available in certain areas -- will be promoted across the capital
this year, according to the city's health authorities.
(Xinhua News Agency February 10, 2007)