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First cousin relationships and the birth injury risk
Although marriage between cousins is legal in Britain as well as the rest of Europe, there is some evidence that children born from parents of these marriages are at a higher risk of suffering congenital birth injuries than children born to non-related parents.
Despite the risks being relatively small, there are still many who believe that marriages between first cousins should be, if not banned, at least more closely monitored so as to avoid unnecessary suffering and birth injury.
Recent scientific research from the UK indicates that among children born to first cousin marriages among people of Pakistani descent in Britain, the risk of suffering an inherited brain disorder is around eight times higher than for children of non-related parents.
Neonatal deaths are also much more common in children born from relationships between first cousins, accounting for a disproportionate number of those NHS records. Disabilities are also more common in these children, as cousins are much more likely to share recessive genes, thus passing them onto their offspring.
Yet marriages between cousins are not rare and have their advantages. One practice, known as endogamy, involves high levels of marriage between cousins as a method of keeping land, property and wealth within family groups.
In fact, 20% of the global population live in societies whose preference is for consanguineous (inter-cousin) marriage. This is well reflected in the data detailing global birth rates, with 8.5% of all children born each year being the offspring of consanguineous relationships.
However prevalent inter-cousin marriages may be, MP Ann Cryer believes that they present too many dangers and should be viewed as a social health problem that needs addressing.
She comments, "In our local school for deaf children, half the pupils are of Asian origin though Asians only form about 20 per cent of the population.
"I also know of several sets of parents in my constituency who are cousins and whose children are severely disabled. I have no doubt that the mothers and fathers being closely related to each is a key factor.
"We give warnings about the dangers of smoking, drinking and taking drugs. It is now time that primary care trusts started doing the same for cousin marriages."
Her view is not shared Dr Aamra Darr, a senior research fellow at Bradford University. Prompted by the furore provoked by the MP's comments, she said, "The danger posed by cousin marriage is highly exaggerated. We should recognise that for British Pakistanis, cousin marriages represent significant cultural advantages. Recent advances mean we can pinpoint many of those at risk of having affected babies. That is where we should be placing our efforts."
Concerns about the birth injury risk to children of consanguineous relationships has led to some suggesting genetic testing to screen for abnormalities.
The world's leading expert on inter-cousin marriages, Professor Alan Bittles, comments, "I would support a good education programme that includes religious leaders, followed by premarital genetic tests so both individuals know if there is a risk. What the government has to decide is how much is it willing to pay to prevent the birth of these children who are going to die at a very young age."
Although it is still early days, some have speculated that affected children born with abnormalities to parents who were aware of the risk may one day seek to claim compensation.
