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What are the risks of first cousins marrying?
Children of first-cousin marriages have an increased risk of autosomal recessive genetic disorders, and this risk is higher in populations that are already highly ethnically similar. Children of more distantly related cousins have less risk of these disorders, though still higher than the average population.
Is it genetically safe to marry your cousin?
Contrary to widely held beliefs and longstanding taboos in America, first cousins can safely have children together, without a great risk of birth defects or genetic disease, scientists are reporting today. They say there is no biological reason to discourage cousins from marrying.
Is marrying your first cousin inbreeding?
First cousins have an inbreeding coefficient of 0.0625. But the estimate that 0.2 percent of U.S. marriages are between people who are second cousins or closer needs to be treated with plenty of caution.
Who Are Considered First Cousins? First cousins share a grandparent, either maternal or paternal. The children of your uncles and aunts are therefore your cousins, or first cousins. If members of your family were adopted, then your first cousins might not be blood related to you.
Does cousin marriage increase the risk of birth defects?
The authors found that cousin marriages and maternal age were associated with a significant increase in risk of birth defects. The Bradford study was unusual in that a large number of the children were born into Pakistani families, which traditionally encourage marriage between cousins.
What do you think about first cousin marriages?
In modern western society, marrying your cousin is not well accepted, particularly in the United States. Through a combination of old prejudices and present-day conventional wisdom about inherited birth defects, first cousin marriage is seen by many as a little too close for comfort, as well as a bad idea if you want children.
What states allow cousins to marry?
Virginia
Is marrying your second cousin OK?
Marriage between second cousins is legal in the United States and across the world. Cousin marriages are generally only restricted between first cousins. Marriage between cousins is restricted or regulated in the United States to help prevent birth defects and genetic disorders in children.