The UK government’s stance on marriages between first cousins has sparked considerable debate. While such unions are permitted in many countries and within various religious traditions, and while some studies explore the potential health risks, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has promoted the advantages of first-cousin marriages, drawing comparisons between the genetic risks and those associated with late parenthood, smoking, or drinking during pregnancy. This has led to a wave of criticism.
First-cousin marriage has been legal in the UK since the 16th century, when Henry VIII altered kinship rules. Current laws prohibit marriages between parents, children, and siblings, but not between first cousins. Conservative MP Richard Holden introduced a bill to ban such marriages, citing health concerns for children. The bill was discussed in Parliament and is slated for further debate. The NHS England’s Genomics Education Programme published an article considering a ban, while also mentioning potential benefits such as strong family support and economic advantages. However, the NHS acknowledged the increased risk of congenital diseases. Critics, including Bradford’s NHS, have voiced concerns, citing a 30% increase in instances of birth defects. Critics argue that such guidelines undermine awareness campaigns. Ayesha Ali-Khan, whose three brothers died from related health issues, blames her parents’ marriage and wishes to prevent other families from suffering. Anita Prem, head of the Freedom Charity, considers such marriages a safety threat.
Research indicates that children of first-cousin marriages face a 6% chance of inheriting a recessive disorder, compared to 3% in the general population. Further research also shows that children from such marriages have an 11% chance of experiencing speech and language problems, compared to 7% in other children. Moreover, the chances of reaching a good development level for children of first cousins is 54%, compared to 64% for children of unrelated parents. Though rates of cousin marriages declined to about 1% by the 20th century, they remain common in some South Asian communities. In Bradford, data revealed that approximately 46% of Pakistani women married their first or second cousins.