The NHS is teaching midwives the 'benefits' of cousin marriage despite it increasing the risk of birth defects, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Admitting there are some 'risks to child health associated with close relative marriage', the guidance says these should 'be balanced against the potential benefits... from this marriage practice'. The document, used as training for midwives, states that 'discouraging cousin marriage is inappropriate' and would be 'alienating and ineffective'. The risk, says the guide, are 'exaggerated' and there has been an 'unwarranted, narrow focus on close relative marriage'. The Mail on Sunday has previously found areas in the UK with cousin marriage are significantly more likely to claim benefits – owing to the higher levels of birth defects.

Source: Daily Mail January 18, 2026 09:38 UTC