Introduction
Cousin marriages have been a prevalent custom in many cultures around the world, particularly in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and some Jewish communities. Although it is considered by some to be a way of preserving family ties and heritage, new scientific research is uncovering the potential health effects of such marriages.
A new Bradford study in the UK has triggered fresh controversy, yielding disturbing findings on the health consequences of children born to close relatives. While some European countries are likely to ban cousin weddings, controversy around the practice is becoming increasingly urgent.
A Tradition Rooted in Culture
In Bradford, cousin marriages are still common, particularly among the Pakistani community. Most families consider these marriages as a way of keeping family wealth, keeping close to one another, and having compatible partners.
For instance, 29-year-old Ayesha from Bradford married her cousin in 2017. She describes her marriage as happy and satisfied, with two children. Her younger sister, Salina, went against the family tradition by marrying outside their extended family. Mallika, being the middle sister, is single and yet to make up her mind to conform to family practices.
While cousin marriage is still a social tradition in some communities, doctors are now warning of its potential risks.
Scientific Evidence Raises Concerns
In Britain and across Europe, scientists are studying the health effects of cousin marriages on children. The Born in Bradford Study, the largest of its kind, has been tracking the health of children born in the city since 2007.
The principal conclusions of the study are:
- One in six children born in Bradford have first-cousin parents.
- Children with first-cousin parents have an 11% risk of delayed speech development, compared with 7% in children of unrelated parents.
- Genetic disorders are more common, as closely related parents are more likely to inherit recessive genetic disorders.
- These children require more medical treatment than children born to unrelated parents.
Geneticist Gregor Mendel’s research in genetics suggests that if parents share a great deal of their DNA, there are increased chances of passing on inherited diseases.
Growing Political and Legal Controversies
The results of the Bradford study have led to wider debates, causing legal reforms in certain countries.
- Cousin marriages were banned in Norway in 2024 because of genetic risks and honor violence.
- Sweden will ban cousin marriages in 2025 for the same reasons.
- In the UK, MP Richard Holden has introduced a bill to prohibit cousin marriages, but the Labour government stated that it has no immediate intention of doing so.
Supporters of a ban argue that cousin marriage results in genetic disorders and social isolation, but critics maintain a ban would infringe on cultural and religious freedoms.
Should Education Be the Solution?
Instead of outright prohibition of cousin marriages, education and genetic counseling have been proposed as alternative measures by some specialists. In Bradford, local health programs have been implemented to educate families about the possible dangers of cousin marriages. Pregnant mothers who belong to high-risk groups are urged to go through genetic testing and counseling.
Professor Oddie, the leading authority on the subject, believes that educating communities is preferable to legally forbidding it. He further adds that cousin marriage is not specific to Pakistani families because some Jewish and Middle Eastern societies also have the practice of cousin marriage.
Final Thoughts
The cousin marriage problem is still complex, walking the tightrope between scientific research and cultural tradition. While some countries are moving towards bans, others are focusing on education and awareness as a way of reducing health effects.
With ongoing research, though, families will be compelled to weigh tradition against medical advice in deciding on marriage. For now, the debate continues, with policymakers, health workers, and communities looking for the best solution.
Would it be the right approach to pass a law against it, or is education the solution? The future of cousin weddings in countries like the UK is uncertain.