I passed the marriage medical

doi:10.1136/bmj.326.7383.0/f

I passed the marriage medical

Couples in China must pass a medical examination before being allowed to wed. On page 277 Hesketh, who was married in China,recounts her test for marriage fitness, which consisted of a detailedfamily history, public pelvic examination, and peeing outdoorsin a cup. Ten years later, she visited 10 hospitals across Chinaand observed examinations, examined records, and interviewed participants.Though medical screening for marriage can be inconvenient andexpensive, potentially unethical, and subject to charges of eugenics,its benefits include the chance to diagnose unrecognised diseasesand provide health education.

(Credit: XINHUA/AP)