Can hepatitis B virus carriers get married?
Dec 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Hepatitis B virus is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission. Although individuals carrying hepatitis B may potentially transmit the virus to their partners in daily life, the risk of infection can be significantly reduced by taking effective preventive measures, such as having the uninfected partner receive the hepatitis B vaccine and develop antibodies, as well as properly using condoms during sexual activity.
Generally, individuals carrying the hepatitis B virus (HBV) are allowed to get married. Although the virus resides in the patient's body, as long as the condition is stable and liver function is normal, marriage is not restricted by law. The detailed explanation is as follows:
HBV is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission. While carriers may potentially transmit the virus to their partners during daily life, effective preventive measures, such as having the healthy partner vaccinated against hepatitis B and developed antibodies, and the proper use of condoms during sexual activity, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. In addition, HBV carriers should also undergo regular check-ups for liver function and HBV DNA to monitor their health status, enabling timely detection of any disease progression and allowing for appropriate treatment measures.
The "Civil Code of the People's Republic of China" does not list hepatitis B as a condition rendering a marriage invalid, and the marital rights of HBV carriers are protected by law. Meanwhile, although the "Maternal and Infant Health Care Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates that premarital medical examinations should include screening for designated infectious diseases and recommends postponing marriage during the infectious period, it does not explicitly prohibit HBV carriers from getting married. Therefore, from a legal perspective, individuals carrying hepatitis B also have the right to marry according to law.
It is recommended that individuals with hepatitis B pay attention to preventing transmission and maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and after marriage. Both partners should work together actively to manage the condition and strive for a happy and fulfilling married life.
