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A proposed bill to ban first-cousin marriage in the UK is set for its second reading in the House of Commons on March 7. The bill, introduced by Conservative former minister Richard Holden, follows similar bans in Norway, which took effect in 2023, and Sweden, which plans to implement a ban by mid-2026.
Supporters of such bans often cite public health concerns as a primary justification. In a speech to Parliament, Holden stated, “First-cousin marriage should be banned on the basis of health risk alone.”
Health Concerns and Genetic Risks
Research conducted in Bradford, a UK city with historically high rates of cousin marriage within the Pakistani community, found that children of first-cousin parents exhibited higher rates of learning and speech difficulties and required more frequent medical visits.
The increased incidence of genetic illnesses among children of closely related parents has been well documented. When both parents carry the same faulty gene, their child faces a significantly higher risk of developing a genetic disorder—about twice the likelihood compared to children of unrelated parents. The Bradford study previously reported that first-cousin marriages were linked to 30% of birth defects in the population studied.
Even after excluding children diagnosed with recessive genetic conditions and adjusting for other factors such as poverty, the recent study found that children of first-cousin parents still showed elevated rates of illness and developmental challenges.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
While reducing health and learning problems in future generations is a commendable goal, ethical concerns arise regarding the method of achieving it. A ban on cousin marriage would not eliminate genetic illnesses but would instead prevent some children from being born while allowing different children (with a lower likelihood of genetic issues) to be born in their place.
One key ethical principle, often associated with 19th-century philosopher John Stuart Mill, is the “harm principle,” which suggests that governments should only restrict individual freedoms to prevent harm to others. Since a ban on cousin marriage does not directly prevent harm to any existing individuals but rather influences the genetic makeup of future generations, it raises questions about whether such a restriction is justified.
Questioning the Effectiveness of a Ban
A ban based on public health concerns would suggest an attempt to prevent certain people from reproducing for the supposed benefit of society, which aligns with troubling eugenic ideologies. Historically, eugenics has been associated with coercive and unethical policies aimed at controlling the genetic traits of populations.
Furthermore, the argument that banning cousin marriage would reduce strain on the healthcare system is problematic. Research shows that most children born to first-cousin parents are healthy. The incidence of genetic or congenital conditions is 6% for these children, compared to 3% in the general population. In practical terms, over 30 cousin-couples would need to be prevented from marrying to avoid the birth of one child with a genetic condition.
Additionally, banning first-cousin marriage would not necessarily eliminate genetic risks. Some communities have higher rates of congenital conditions due to long-standing patterns of marriage within extended families or ethnic groups (endogamy). If cousin marriage were banned, families might shift to marrying within their extended network, which could maintain similar levels of genetic risk. Expanding the ban to second-cousin marriages or restricting marriage within certain ethnic groups would be even more controversial and legally problematic.
Alternative Solutions
Instead of imposing a ban, experts suggest more ethical and practical approaches:
- Community Support: Addressing health and learning challenges through targeted healthcare and educational support in affected communities.
- Public Awareness: Educating families and young people about the genetic risks associated with cousin marriage so they can make informed choices.
- Genetic Screening: Expanding access to reproductive carrier screening to help couples assess their genetic compatibility before conceiving. While not currently available through the NHS, such screening could empower couples to make informed reproductive decisions, including the use of IVF or adoption.
While the concerns about higher rates of illness among children of related parents are valid, banning first-cousin marriage is not the right solution. Instead, providing education, healthcare support, and reproductive options would be more effective and ethically sound.
Disclaimer: This article is based on expert opinions and research findings. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult relevant professionals for personalized guidance.
