How thalassaemia is inherited

We each carry two copies of the haemoglobin genes — one from each parent. Thalassaemia is passed on as a “recessive” trait: thalassaemia major happens when a child inherits an affected copy from BOTH parents.

Someone with just one affected copy is a carrier (has the “trait”). Carriers are usually completely healthy and may not know it, but they can pass the gene on. When both parents are carriers, each pregnancy has a 1-in-4 chance of a child with thalassaemia major, 2-in-4 a carrier, and 1-in-4 unaffected.

This is why carrier screening and genetic counselling matter — especially before starting a family. A simple blood test can show whether someone is a carrier, and prenatal testing is available.