Asked by john

How did the discovery of the rhesus factor affect society?
More patients died from having a transfusion with the wrong rhesus factor.
New treatments during pregnancy could prevent harm to the developing child.
Less donated blood could be used in the treatment of patients.
The number of blood types was reduced by half.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Correct answer: New treatments during pregnancy could prevent harm to the developing child.

Why: Discovering the Rh (D) antigen explained hemolytic disease of the newborn (erythroblastosis fetalis). That led to preventative and treatment measures (Rh immunoglobulin prophylaxis, fetal monitoring, intrauterine transfusion, postnatal exchange transfusion/phototherapy), dramatically reducing newborn illness and death.

Why the others are wrong:
- More patients died from wrong Rh transfusions: false — identifying Rh improved transfusion safety and reduced fatal reactions.
- Less donated blood could be used: misleading — Rh matching adds a constraint (Rh− recipients need Rh− blood) but overall blood-banking practices adapted; the discovery primarily improved safety rather than restricting usable supply in a way that harmed patients.
- Number of blood types was reduced by half: false — it increased the known complexity of blood-group compatibility (added Rh to the ABO system), not reduced it.