we then argue that the goal of reducing the number of individuals in nigeria who have sca is compelling. as a result, premarital screening, that is, screening engaged couples prior to the wedding, has become a key strategy for the prevention of sca in nigeria. as a result, christian couples in nigeria have a strong interest in a church wedding and the efforts of churches to discourage sickle cell carriers from marrying, and even denying them a church wedding, represents …