The UK cousin marriage debate has intensified after the National Health Service published and quickly removed a report that questioned a government ban, sparking political controversy over the long-legal practice.
NHS Report Sparks Controversy
The NHS’s Genomics Education Program posted the article, “Should the UK government ban first-cousin marriage,” last week before taking it down by Monday. The report argued for education over a ban and suggested there were “benefits” to the practice.
These included “stronger extended family support systems and economic advantages.“
The document also drew comparisons to other health risk factors that are not outlawed. The report noted that “[Factors like alcohol use during pregnancy and smoking] are not banned in the U.K.“
Political Fallout and the UK Cousin Marriage Debate
The NHS removes first-cousin marriage report action drew swift condemnation from Conservative politicians. Member of Parliament Richard Holden accused the Labour government of “taking the knee to damaging and oppressive cultural practices.” He added, “The Conservatives want to see an end to cousin marriage as a backdoor to immigration too, but Labour are deaf to these sensible demands.“
Fellow Conservative MP Claire Coutinho criticized the health service’s perceived double standard. “The NHS puts conditions on IVF by age, BMI and history of conception… But the NHS won’t say a word against cousin marriage,” she stated.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed he would not ban the practice, favoring education.
First-Cousin Marriage Genetic Risk
Children born from first cousins face an increased risk for inherited conditions such as sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis. In the general population, a child’s chance of having a genetic condition is two to three percent.
This first-cousin marriage genetic risk increases the probability to between four and six percent.
Despite this, the removed NHS report stated, “Hence, most children of first cousins are healthy.” First-cousin marriages have been legal in the United Kingdom since the 1500s.
Education Versus a Government Ban
The Labour government and the NHS report favor educational measures over legal prohibitions. The report suggested that “Genetic counseling, awareness-raising initiatives and public health campaigns are all important tools” to help families make informed choices.
This approach stands in contrast to the Conservative call to ban cousin marriage entirely.
