A Nigerian man has shared his family’s painful experience after his daughter was born with sickle cell disease, saying his religious convictions influenced a decision he now deeply regrets.
The man, who said he and his wife were both aware that they were AS, revealed that the couple dated for three years without having sex because of their strong religious beliefs.
According to him, he believed that strictly following his understanding of the Bible would protect them from having a child affected by sickle cell disease.
However, after their daughter was born with the condition, he said the reality of raising a child with sickle cell has forced him to reconsider the decision he made at the time.
His experience has generated discussions around genotype compatibility, religious beliefs, personal choices and the need for couples to be properly informed about the possible genetic implications before starting a family.