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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Megan Howe

NHS faces backlash over guidance extolling benefits of first-cousin marriage despite increased risk of birth defects

The NHS has faced criticism from a Conservative MP after being accused of promoting the benefits of first-cousin marriages, despite well-documented concerns about the increased risk of birth defects.

Guidance published last week by NHS England’s Genomics Education Programme suggests the “benefits” of first cousin marriage include “stronger extended family support systems and economic advantages”.

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