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this NHS After investigating midwife They were reportedly given official training material suggesting there could be “potential benefits” to marriages between cousins and claiming there were “associated genetic risks” [to children] It’s all exaggerated.”
The guidance, which was released following a Freedom of Information request, raises alarm about the increased risk of genetic diseases in children born to consanguineous (blood related) parents.
In the UK, children of two first cousins have a 6% chance of inheriting a recessive genetic disorder, compared with 3% in the general population. at the same time, recent research Research on the effects on children of consanguineous parents shows that in addition to diagnosable genetic disorders, children of first cousins more often experience developmental problems and other health problems.
Despite this evidence, an NHS training document states that “85% to 90% of cousin couples have no affected children” and states that “consanguineous marriages are often stigmatized in England”.
The guidance also advises that “any discussion of potential risks to cousins’ health” must also be weighed against the potential benefits of the “collective social capital” that comes from the relationship.
The report also noted that marriages between cousins can provide “economic and social security at the individual, family and broader kinship levels”, adding that “the focus on consanguineous marriages is unfounded and narrow-minded”.
Richard Holden, the Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay who is campaigning to ban consanguineous marriages, told reporters the times: “I find this unbelievable. It really worries me. Marriage between cousins does nothing good and has a huge negative impact on health, welfare, individual rights and the cohesion of our society.”
Marriages between cousins are relatively common among Pakistani and Bangladeshi families in the UK and other parts of the world, is legal In the UK, Despite concerns Regarding the impact on children and potential coercion of women.
Paper published in Oxford Journal of Law and Religion 2024 estimated Cousins account for 40-60% of all marriages in these communities in the UK and around 20-40% among Irish Traveler communities. This compares with less than 1% of the rest of the population.
Concerns about the practice have sparked calls for a ban on consanguineous marriages in the UK. In addition to the potential impact on children, has been argued Bans can also prevent many forced marriages.
This isn’t the first time the NHS has suggested there are benefits to marriage between cousins. Last September, Health Minister Wes Streeting LED calls on health department to apologize An article published in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) Genomics Education Project said cousin marriage was associated with “stronger extended family support systems and financial advantages”.
According to reports, the midwifery guidance is part of the NHS Maternity Transformation Plan in England, which aims to halve the number of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths, and brain injuries by 2030.
The NHS has now distanced itself from the document. a spokesman told independent: “The NHS absolutely recognizes the genetic risks of consanguineous relationships and when people are considering entering into consanguineous relationships we provide referrals to genetic services so individuals understand the risks and can make informed decisions.
“We are investigating whether this inappropriate wording exists in any guidance or training and, if so, we will take steps to remove it.”
The government said it was working with the health service on how the guidance was written to ensure “this does not happen again”.
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care told independent: “The medical science and evidence is clear. Cousin marriages are risky and unsafe, and we know the genetic defects and harm they can cause.
“We are working with the NHS to look at how the guidance was developed and ensure this does not happen again.”