Story perspectives

NHS Encourages Genetic Counseling for First Cousin Marriages

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) advised NHS staff not to blanketly discourage first cousin marriages.
The NCMD says the risk to children from first cousin marriages is only slightly increased.
The NCMD recommended genetic counseling for couples and their families.
Politicians, including Richard Holden (shadow transport secretary), advocate banning cousin marriage due to health risks.
An NHS trust has hired a neonatal nurse to support families with close relatives.

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Story summary

The National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) advised NHS staff not to blanketly discourage first cousin marriages.
The NCMD says the risk to children from first cousin marriages is only slightly increased.
The NCMD recommended genetic counseling for couples and their families.
Politicians, including Richard Holden (shadow transport secretary), advocate banning cousin marriage due to health risks.
An NHS trust has hired a neonatal nurse to support families with close relatives.