Rh Factor Inheritance: Can Child's Rh Type Differ from Parents?

Yes, a child's Rh factor can differ from parents'. Rh factor is determined by two genes (one per parent), each positive or negative.

• Both Rh+ parents → child Rh+
• Both Rh- parents → child Rh-
• One Rh+, one Rh- → child can be Rh+ or Rh-

With mixed parents: child inherits one gene from each. Rh+ gene is dominant—one Rh+ gene = Rh+ phenotype. Two Rh- genes = Rh- phenotype.

Thus, Rh+ and Rh- parents can have an Rh- child (if both pass Rh- gene).