Is marrying your cousin OK?

Marrying your biological first cousin (where you share a pair of grandparents) is not only often considered taboo, but is illegal in many countries. However, some scientists and scholars now question the basis of this cultural norm.

Experts and Influencers

Suggest Expert Quote (click to expand, no login required)

Agree

Experts In Science

Albert Einstein Physicist, Icon of the 20th Century

Agree

I love you [wrote Albert Einstein in a letter to Elsa Einstein, his cousin and (second) wife to be].

Edit Pitches

01 Jan 1912 Source

Hamish Spencer Professor of Biology

Agree

These laws reflect once-prevailing prejudices about immigrants and the rural poor and oversimplified views of heredity, and they are inconsistent with our acceptance of reproductive behaviors that are much riskier to offspring. They should be repealed, not because their intent was eugenic, but because neither the scientific nor social assumptions that informed them are any longer defensible.

Edit Pitches

01 Dec 2008 Source

Disagree

Experts In Christianity

The Catholic Church Largest Christian Church

Disagree

A marriage is never permitted if doubt exists whether the partners are related by consanguinity in any degree of the direct line or in the second degree of the collateral line.

Edit Pitches

01 Jan 1983 Source

Experts In Politics

Ann Cryer Politician, UK

Disagree

As we address problems of smoking, drinking, obesity, we say it's a public health issue, and therefore we all have to get involved with it in persuading people to adopt a different lifestyle. I think the same should be applied to this problem in the Asian community. They must adopt a different lifestyle. They must look outside the family for husbands and wives for their young people.

Edit Pitches

16 Nov 2005 Source

Comments

Add Your TakeOnIt (click to expand, no login required)

Is marrying your cousin OK?

Related Questions

Experts and Influencers

Comments