"I Wouldn't Have Married My Wife, Simi, If She Had Sickle Cell (SS)" — Adekunle Gold
Share This Post
Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has emphasized the importance of genotype testing before marriage, urging couples to determine their genotype compatibility before deciding to have children.
Speaking in a recent interview, Adekunle noted that greater public awareness of sickle cell disease is still needed, and that individuals should be well-informed about the condition before making decisions related to marriage and childbearing.
He revealed that when he and his wife, Simi, began their relationship, one of their first steps was to check their genotypes to confirm compatibility.
"When we met, the first thing we did was to know our genotype that we match," Adekunle said.
Asked by the interviewer to explain how genotype testing works, Adekunle described it as a straightforward process.
He also addressed the importance of weighing the potential risks of childbearing for couples whose genotype combinations raise the likelihood of sickle cell disease in their children.
While maintaining that individuals living with sickle cell disease should not let the condition hold them back from pursuing their goals, Adekunle stressed that couples still need to make informed choices before starting a family.
"We tell people, if you have sickle cell, forget love, you can't do it, it makes no sense," he said.
He further explained that bringing a child into the world with a high likelihood of poor health could place significant strain on a family.
"Because you're about to bring a child into the world and about to be sickly, what is the point?" he said.
When asked how he would have responded had his wife carried the sickle cell trait (SS), Adekunle stated plainly:
"There's no way I would have done that."
