NHS pulls report on first-cousin marriage amid UK public uproar

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The UK's National Health Service (NHS) faced criticism for potentially prioritizing cultural sensitivity over significant health concerns. A report questioned whether first-cousin marriages should be banned due to known health risks for future generations, such as sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to ban first-cousin marriages outright, emphasizing the importance of education over government mandates. The NHS report, titled "Should the UK government ban first-cousin marriage," sparked controversy for suggesting benefits of such marriages, including stronger family support systems and economic advantages.

The report highlighted the historical legality of first-cousin marriages in the UK since the 1500s and noted that the practice is still permitted in 20 US states. It also mentioned risks of genetic disorders related to factors like alcohol use during pregnancy and parental age.

Conservative MPs criticized the report, calling for an end to cousin marriages and accusing the Labour government of endorsing damaging cultural practices. Proponents of the ban argue for public health initiatives and genetic counseling to inform families without stigmatizing cultural traditions.

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, did not respond to inquiries. Conservative Tories support the ban on cousin marriages, while Labour officials argue against targeting specific cultures. The Department of Health and Social Care and Conservative Party Chairman Richard Holden did not provide immediate comments.