Why does a couple have to have blood tests before they get married?

Question

I always wondered why a couple had to get blood tests before they had to get married. In some states, it's law. I wondered if there are any states it's not law, and if so, why? Again, I understand that it's not necessarily (sp?) a bad idea to see if either the bride or groom have an STD or something, but, still. Shouldn't that remain private between the two of them? This is a random question, but since I'm the M.O.H. in a friend's wedding, it's a good question to ask, at least I think.

Answer 1

Some interesting information:

http://ask.yahoo.com/20040825.html

Answer 2

I found this website that should answer your question and even includes which states still require a blood test. http://www.coolnurse.com/marriage_laws2.htm



Every couple that wishes to marry must comply with a states requirements. Only a few states require a blood test these days or a blood test and physical examination before marriage to show whether one party is infected with an STD - (most often the test is for Syphilis). In some states, for example, the clerk is forbidden to issue a marriage license until the parties present the results of the blood test.

Here is a summary of each state’s laws regarding premarital procedures, including blood tests and waiting periods before marriage. However, because state laws in this area have been changing rapidly -- many states have recently eliminated blood tests, SO, check with your county clerk’s office if you are planning on getting married or want the most up-to-date status in your state. These are from May 2004.

Answer 3

i think of you mean couples having a DNA attempt in the previous marriage. no longer in basic terms infinite kiddies and not understanding who the daddy is, yet what approximately sperm donors and the toddlers from that? At one time couple did ought to take blood tests. yet now drugs has the thank you to zig zag around the incompatible blood plasma so couples with different blood varieties could have young ones.

Answer 4

to make sure you or your partner doesn't have a disease like AID'S or STD . every state should make it law to have a blood test before getting married.

Answer 5

Traditionally it was to make sure there weren't any diseases (specifically syphilis).
There are only about 6-7 states that still require one.

Answer 6

It is to test for STD's. I know in GA and TN it is no longer required. Don't know about other states

Answer 7

In this day & age with the disease that's rampant, I think it should be mandatory.

We had to have one when we got married many years ago, & my fiance/husband was & is deathly scared of needles. Was NOT good. :)

It is no longer required here.....a county in Ohio.

Answer 8

well my fiancee said its cuz some states there are people who marry like there uncle and brother marry there cousins so that the babies dont come out retarted.

Answer 9

I've always heard it was to make sure that you weren't marrying a family member (i.e. cousin, aunt/uncle, etc.). But I've never heard that it was to check for diseases.

Answer 10

You got it. It's to test forSTD's. Many states have done away with it.