Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Partners with different ABO blood groups can marry; attention is mainly needed if the woman is Rh negative and the man is Rh positive.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Many people worry about whether blood group compatibility affects the decision to marry. In reality, doctors focus more on blood group compatibility during blood transfusions and pregnancy than on marriage itself. This question tests whether you understand the basic medical view on ABO and Rh blood groups in relation to marriage and future pregnancies.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In general, any two healthy adults can marry regardless of their ABO blood group. A person with blood group A can marry someone with B, AB or O, and similar combinations are medically acceptable. The key medical issue arises mainly in relation to pregnancy when an Rh negative woman is pregnant with an Rh positive baby, often fathered by an Rh positive partner. This situation can cause Rh incompatibility in later pregnancies if not managed properly, but modern antenatal care can usually prevent serious problems by monitoring and giving specific injections. Therefore, doctors do not forbid marriage based on blood group; they simply advise proper medical follow up when there is potential Rh incompatibility.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that ABO blood groups (A, B, AB, O) determine which blood a person can receive safely during transfusion but do not by themselves prevent two people from marrying.
Step 2: Understand that the Rh factor describes whether a person is Rh positive or Rh negative.
Step 3: Recognise that the specific concern in pregnancy is when an Rh negative woman carries an Rh positive foetus, which can lead to Rh incompatibility if not properly treated.
Step 4: Note that modern medicine can manage this situation with regular check ups and prophylactic injections, so it is not a reason to avoid marriage.
Step 5: Select the option that correctly states that different ABO groups are acceptable and highlights the Rh negative woman and Rh positive man combination as the main situation needing attention.
Verification / Alternative check:
If you consult standard health education materials, you will find that there is no general restriction on marriage between people of different blood groups. Information booklets may mention that an Rh negative woman married to an Rh positive man should inform her doctor early in pregnancy so that appropriate tests and injections can be given. This advice confirms that the main issue is pregnancy management rather than partner selection and supports the correct option in the question.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because there is no medical rule that partners must have the same ABO group to marry safely.
Option C is wrong because couples with many different blood group combinations can and do have healthy children when they receive proper antenatal care.
Option D is wrong because having an O negative blood group does not forbid marriage; it only affects transfusion choices and pregnancy care.
Option E is wrong because it suggests that exact matches are always required and that serious health problems are certain otherwise, which is not supported by medical practice.
Common Pitfalls:
A common misconception is that blood group compatibility for marriage works like strict transfusion rules, leading families to worry unnecessarily about ABO differences. Another mistake is ignoring professional medical guidance and relying on myths. To avoid these problems, remember that doctors focus on monitoring pregnancies, especially when the mother is Rh negative and the father is Rh positive. Clear communication with health professionals is more important than matching blood groups when choosing a life partner.
Final Answer:
The most accurate statement is that Partners with different ABO blood groups can marry; attention is mainly needed if the woman is Rh negative and the man is Rh positive.
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