The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) faces a backlash after a report controversially downplayed the serious health risks of first-cousin marriages.
The report, quickly removed from the official website, claimed these unions could bring “stronger family support and economic advantages,” ignoring the increased risk of serious inherited diseases such as sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis.
Separate online advice to healthcare staff still recommends they should
Develop cultural competence in service delivery and cultural awareness training that focus on breaking down stereotypes and understanding consanguinity (and termination) from an Islamic perspective.
Critics say the NHS should prioritize protecting children’s health over promoting cultural relativism. To date, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to outlaw first-cousin marriages, which remain legal in the UK (and in 20 U.S. states).
In contrast to Labour dithering, Austria has moved to ban the practice—controversially citing Sharia marriages arranged overseas as part of the rationale for the policy.
