It’s not uncommon for cousins to feel attracted to each other and even have romantic relationships. However, many cousins wonder what would happen if they had a baby together. There are a few key considerations when cousins procreate.
Is it legal for cousins to have a baby?
First, it’s important to understand the legality of cousin relationships. In most states in the U.S., it is legal for first cousins to marry and have children. About 20 states prohibit marriage between first cousins, but allow cousincouples to live together and have children. A few states, like Texas and Arkansas, have legal bans on cousin relationships entirely.
Globally, cousin marriages are permitted in most countries. However, some places like China and Taiwan prohibit first cousin marriages but allow more distant cousin relations. Overall, having a child with your first cousin is legal in the majority of the world.
What is the risk of birth defects or genetic disorders?
One major concern with cousins having a child is the risk of passing on genetic diseases and birth defects. First cousins share about 12.5% of their DNA, since they have a set of shared grandparents. This is a higher amount of shared DNA compared to the average person. As a result, cousin couples have a slightly elevated risk of having a child with an autosomal recessive disorder – a disease that requires two copies of a faulty gene to manifest.
Some examples of autosomal recessive diseases that can affect cousin couples include:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia
The risk is still fairly low in most cases, around 4-7% for first cousin couples versus 3-4% for the general population. The risks are higher if cousins repeatedly procreate across multiple generations.
Risks of genetic disorders in children of cousin couples:
| Relationship | Risk of birth defects |
|---|---|
| 1st cousins | 4-7% |
| 2nd cousins | 2-3% |
| 3rd cousins | 1-2% |
| General population | 3-4% |
The risks are also influenced by the couple’s family history. If there are any known genetic disorders running in the family, cousins should seek genetic counseling before trying to conceive.
Will the child look different or have disabilities?
While there is a slightly elevated risk of birth defects and genetic problems, most babies born to cousin parents are perfectly healthy. The vast majority of cousin couples have children without major disabilities or deformities.
Some studies have found a small increase in risks like congenital heart disease, metabolic disorders, and facial abnormalities. But most children born to cousins look and function like any other child.
First cousin relationships only lead to observable disabilities after multiple generations of cousin marriages within a family. Isolated instances of cousins procreating today do not normally result in major physical deformities in the child.
What are the social implications?
An important consideration is the social stigma associated with cousin relationships. Even though marriage between first cousins is legal in most states, it remains a social taboo in the U.S. There can be judgment passed on cousin couples and their children.
Some potential issues include:
- Bullying for the child at school
- Lack of acceptance from extended family
- Difficulty explaining the parents’ relationship
These challenges can put stress on the cousin parents and child. But with open communication, counseling, and family support, many of these issues can be managed.
Percentage of people who disapprove of cousin marriage in different countries:
| Country | Disapproval Rate |
|---|---|
| United States | 80% |
| United Kingdom | 75% |
| France | 65% |
| Russia | 50% |
| India | 40% |
| Saudi Arabia | 30% |
Should cousin couples have children?
Overall, it is a personal decision for cousins to evaluate the risks and make an informed choice. Here are some things for cousins contemplating pregnancy to consider:
- Get genetic testing and counseling to assess disease risk.
- Talk to your family and prepare for potential lack of support.
- Understand the state laws and social norms where you live.
- Be ready to explain your relationship to your child sensitively.
- Get psychological support to cope with social disapproval.
- Only have children if you are fully committed to parenting together.
Cousins having children is relatively rare. But in places where it occurs regularly, like the Middle East, risks can be managed safely. With some extra care and precaution, cousin couples can make an educated decision about having a baby.
Conclusion
When cousins have a child together, there are some elevated risks of genetic problems and birth defects. However, risks are still low in most cases, around 4-7% for first cousins. Major disabilities are very rare unless cousin marriage has occurred for multiple generations. The bigger challenges tend to be the social disapproval and stigma. Cousin couples planning children need to get genetic counseling, understand laws, and prepare emotionally. Overall, cousins can safely have healthy children together in most instances, as long as they are aware of the small risks and challenges involved.