Marriage of First Cousin is legal in Britain. This tradition is valid since the 16th century, when Henry VIII changed the rules of kinship and married his wife Ain Bolen’s cousin Catherine Howard. Even today, the law of Britain stops marriage between parents, children and siblings, but there is no restriction on marriage between cousins ​​and sisters.
Recently, Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) published an article, which discussed both the advantages and disadvantages of first cousin weddings. NHS said that such marriages strengthen the support system and economic benefits of the family. Its genetic threats are compared to other risks such as smoking or late baby having a child in pregnancy. However, NHS admitted that the risk of congenital diseases may increase in such children. This is the reason why political and social debate started after the report.
Demand for ban in Parliament
Conservative MP Richard Holden has introduced a bill in Parliament to stop this practice. He says that this is a serious threat to the health of children and the government should not ignore it. Critics allege that such guidelines weaken awareness campaign and promote dangerous cultural practices.
Research and health threats
Born in Bradford Research (2024) introduced important figures on this subject, according to which the children of First cousin couples have 6% likely to have a hereditary disease, while in normal children it is 3%. These children have 11% likely to have problems related to speaking and language (7% in other children). First cousin is 54% likely to reach good development level, while in other children it is 64%. This report made it clear that even after separating social factors like poverty, health risks are real.
The circle of Britain’s South Asian community
In Britain, the rate of first cousin marriage is very low (about 1%), but in some communities it is still common. About 46% of women of Pakistani origin have married their first or second cousin in three Inner-City areas of Bradford. This tradition is still intact for cultural and family reasons.
Criticism and personal experience
Many social workers and victim families have raised their voice against such weddings. Aisha Ali-Khan, whose three brothers died of congenital diseases. Aisha Ali-Khan said that this tragedy happened due to the cousin marriage of her parents. Anita Prem, head of Freedom Charity, says that such marriages are a threat to both children’s health and safety.
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