It is now unlawful to get married without undergoing medical screening in Kaduna state, NAN reports.
The state house of assembly on Thursday passed into law the pre-medical examination bill 2017.
The law compels intending couples to undergo medical test to determine their health status and compatibility before marriage.
The new law imposes a fine of not less than one hundred thousand naira (N100.000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months or both.
John Kwaturu, the deputy speaker, who presided over the assembly’s sitting, said the law was necessary to protect couples from avoidable diseases.
He said the law now makes it compulsory for couples to undergo medical examination twice before marriage.
Kwaturu said that the first test should be conducted three months before marriage and the second screening two weeks to the wedding.
The deputy speaker explained that the law also provides that the medical examination would be conducted simultaneously by both parties in approved health facility.
He added that the result of the medical test would be explained to the two parties by the medical doctor, who must issue them with the certificate.
“No person shall formalize any marriage contract for any person wishing to marry without medical certificate issued by a qualified medical doctor in respect of both parties,” a part of the law stated.
The law also provides that any person who contravenes any of its provisions commits an offence.
He said it was an offence under the law for any health worker or any person to issues false medical result or assist in the issuance of same.
The deputy speaker added that such persons “shall be liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred thousand (N200.000.00) or imprisonment of not less than one year or both”.
Nuhu Shadalafiya, the chairman, house committee on information, told journalists that relevant government agencies would sensitise the people to create awareness on provisions of the law.
“Government should ensure serious mobilization before the law takes effect using radio television and the social media,” he said.
“It must ensure that the message is circulated in churches and mosques and at ceremonies so that it gets to the grassroots.
“This is important, so that when one is caught contravening the law, there will be no excuse.”
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