Is Cousin Marriage Genetically Disastrous for Offspring?

Cousin marriage has a long history, with numerous cultures practicing this ritual for thousands of years. While it can be a romantic and rewarding way to create a strong bond between two families, some experts worry that it could be genetically disastrous for any children born from the union. Here’s why.

When cousins marry and have children, they are passing along the same genes within both of their families. These genes could have been lying dormant in either family, never leading to any kind of health issue, until they meet up. That's where the problems can begin.

For instance, if someone in the family has a recessive gene, it could find itself shared by the married couple and passed down to their offspring. The gene may cause no issue in either family, but the combination of two people who share the gene could be detrimental to any children produced. This is because recessive genes will only affect people if they get the same gene from both parents. This means that it would be unlikely for the child to only get one gene, since the parents are related.

Additionally, research shows that siblings of first cousins are more likely to suffer from mental and physical problems compared to those who come from parents who aren't related. In some cases, children born to cousin parents have a much higher risk of having genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities. Furthermore, first-cousin marriages have been linked to an increased risk of giving birth to stillborn children or those with deformities and disabilities.

It isn't just the genetic aspect though; there are other risks that should be considered as well. For instance, living in a society which frowns on the union of the two families and the bad reputation which often comes with it. Consider, too, the social awkwardness and possible stigma that could accompany any children of the union.

Yet, despite these risks, some experts argue that for many cultures, the reward is worth the risk. After all, one of the most important aspects of family life is the strong bonds formed through marriage. In cultures where it is common to marry cousins, these unions build upon existing relationships, allowing a different level of closeness.

What people do is of course their choice, but those who choose to enter into this kind of relationship must think deeply about all of the potential consequences. With so much at stake, the weight of making an informed decision is heavy. If they decide that the benefits outway the risks, they should be sure to also take steps to make sure any children born of the union have access to the best resources possible to mitigate the potential effects.