PRE-MARITAL MEDICAL SCREENING OF PROSPECTIVE COUPLES AND THE QUESTION OF AGAPE LOVE

A CRITICAL DISCOURSE

Abstract

This paper looked at the types and relevance of pre-marital screening in Nigerian society. It also examined the concept of love from Christian, Moslem and Sectarian perspectives. The paper contends that despite the immense value of pre-marital medical screening, its outcome should not constitute the only yardstick upon which marital unions are discouraged. It was advocated that intending couples should have right to make informed decisions about whether or not to proceed with their marriage arrangement (on the strength of agape love) despite any unfavourable pre-marital test result. This way, the role of love as foundation of marriage will remain a primary other than secondary consideration.