17-07-2025
MP Pushes Genetic Ethics
TDT | Manama
A renewed push to reshape Bahrain's approach to hereditary disease prevention is gaining traction, with MP Dr. Mariam Al Dhaen calling for greater emphasis on genetic ethics, advanced screening, and informed reproductive decision-making in sickle cell care.
In her latest remarks, Dr. Al Dhaen urged the government to encourage couples at risk of passing on sickle cell anaemia or beta-thalassemia to undergo preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) as part of assisted reproductive treatments. The procedure, she said, offers a precise method to prevent the transmission of these conditions by selecting healthy embryos before pregnancy.
Diagnostic shift
Dr. Al Dhaen also raised concerns about the limitations of current premarital screening tools, particularly the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) test, which she said can sometimes yield inaccurate results. 'There have been cases where individuals were told they carried a genetic mutation, but genetic testing proved they did not,' she said, emphasising the need for more accurate diagnostic options.
In addition to PGT, Dr. Al Dhaen advocated for using embryo genetic testing and HLA typing to help families with affected children. She explained that selecting a healthy embryo whose tissue matches that of an existing child could pave the way for stem cell or bone marrow treatments using a compatible sibling donor.
Emergency reform
While praising the 24-hour operation of the Genetic Blood Diseases Center at Salmaniya Medical Complex - a move she described as a 'qualitative leap' for the healthcare system - Dr. Al Dhaen positioned her new proposals as the next phase in national efforts to support patients with genetic blood disorders.
She reaffirmed her earlier proposal for dedicated emergency care pathways and specialist consultants for sickle cell patients, noting that swift and focused intervention is crucial given the severity and sudden onset of symptoms.
Policy vision
Dr. Al Dhaen stressed that genetic health is not only a medical challenge but also a policy responsibility requiring coordinated action among health authorities, lawmakers, and families. She framed her proposals as a call to action to keep Bahrain at the forefront of compassionate and science-driven healthcare.
The MP concluded by reiterating that citizens' health remains a top national priority, and that thoughtful, ethical approaches to genetics must play a central role in shaping the Kingdom's healthcare future.
