Should I marry my cousin

I saw this very interesting documentary on BBC yesterday

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p056gvhm

It's explored first cousin marriage in the British Pakistani community.

The presenter was only a young girl and it was done very well .

Some interesting facts came out .

Although the Pakistani community is only 3% of the population it has 70% of genetic disabilities in children due in the main from the small gene pool .

Another group the Ashkenazi Jewish population who also marry within a small gene pool have solved this problem .
Before they marry they go to gene clinics and check their DNA for inherited genetic illnesses .

Charmingly presented and well worth watching .

Re: Should I marry my cousin

We've always been assured cousins can marry safely in this country, looks like repeated marriages within those bounds are a problem really.

Sadly I know a couple of families been ravaged by defects that could have been avoided if they had married out along the way. Worst side of the family have lost so many people who hardly make it into adulthood. All could be avoided.

Re: Should I marry my cousin

Marrying a first or even second cousin double the risk of inheriting a genetic illness .

The prime example of this is the Royal family .

Queen Victoria spread the gene of hemophilia throughout the royal families of Europe .

Re: Should I marry my cousin

Perhaps that is more modern thinking I know when it happened in my extended family the people concerned got advice and were told it was fine but that was back in the early 70s. TBH they had 7 kids all fine and they are now having kids of their own all fine. They were told don't marry again within the family as that would increase chances of problems.

Re: Should I marry my cousin

Why not watch the programme on catch up it really is interesting ?
Delightful people you will like them .

Re: Should I marry my cousin

No time today muddy I am still catching up on Lost and McLods daughters and SUV any more and i'd be a neglectful mum or dog owner

Re: Should I marry my cousin

We actually have a member here who states on his profile page, that he is married to 'his lovely cousin.'

He would be better equipped to talk on this matter through actual experience - if he wishes to of course.

Re: Should I marry my cousin

These days with Men and Women having numerous affairs, how would you know if you were marrying your cousin or even half-sister or half-brother.

I have just been contacted by a very Nice lady in NewZealand who thinks her father was my Ex-husband's now deceased, half brother. She knows many true facts about the man in question, where he was born in the UK etc, as she researches Ancestry.
Her DNA does match two of my family who has their DNA on Heritage.

Skeletons in the cupboard!!

Re: Should I marry my cousin

right or wrong its still legal in this country

Re: Should I marry my cousin

Is it?
Are we talking about first cousins?
I thought that was always a cause for concern?

Edit: just looked it up...https://www.independent.co.uk/news/s...y-1210072.html