Cousin Marriage and Its Risks
Author Information
Author(s): Diane B. Paul, Hamish G. Spencer
Primary Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Hypothesis
Is the hostility to cousin marriage scientifically well-grounded?
Conclusion
The risks associated with first-cousin marriage are generally much smaller than commonly assumed.
Supporting Evidence
- Cousin marriage is illegal in 31 US states due to perceived genetic risks.
- The NSGC report found that the risks of congenital defects from cousin marriage are about 1.7%–2% above the background risk.
- Many laws prohibiting cousin marriage were enacted in the US during the Civil War era.
- The stigma surrounding cousin marriage in the West is not scientifically justified.
Takeaway
People often think that marrying a cousin is very risky, but it turns out the chances of having problems are not as high as many believe.
Methodology
The National Society of Genetic Counselors reviewed existing studies on risks to offspring from cousin marriages.
Potential Biases
The laws against cousin marriage may reflect societal prejudices rather than scientific evidence.
Limitations
The study's estimates of risk may not apply universally across different populations and environments.
Participant Demographics
The discussion includes references to populations in the US and Europe, particularly British Pakistanis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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