Cousin marriages contribute to 30 percent of birth defects in Bradford

In 2022, an NHS Trust in Bradford described cousin marriages as a cultural practice, drawing a parallel to white women having children over the age of 34. This comparison was based on findings from the Born in Bradford study, which highlighted that cousin marriage contributes to about 30 percent of birth defects in the region. The report also mentioned that 19 percent of Bradford babies with birth defects had mothers over 34 years old, suggesting a trend influenced by liberal values such as prioritizing careers and personal autonomy over earlier family planning. Despite health risks associated with cousin marriages, the UK government's stance remained against banning such unions. Instead, Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed proposed alternatives like advanced genetic screening, emphasizing the need for positive solutions over stigmatization. Notably, research indicated a decline in cousin marriages within Bradford's Pakistani community in the past decade, attributed to higher educational levels and changing immigration policies. A past report identified significant links between consanguineous relationships and infant mortality rates linked to genetic and congenital anomalies, with a notable proportion of affected children being of South Asian heritage.