Incest and Cousin Marriage: Legal Status and Health Implications

By Cassidy Morrison, Senior Health Reporter for DailyMail.com

Incest is poised to become prohibited by law in the UK, with a new bill in Parliament aiming to ban marriage between cousins due to various risks of birth defects. However, the US has no federal blanket ban on cousin marriage; instead, its legality is decided by individual states—19 still allow it.

Figures suggest about 250,000 Americans are married to their first or second cousins. Studies show that children born of two blood-related parents have double the risk of congenital problems such as heart and lung defects, cleft palates, and extra fingers. They are also twice as likely to be treated for illnesses requiring antipsychotic medicines.

"Marriage between first cousins is legal in Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas," said one expert.

In states where cousin marriages are not allowed like Texas and Nevada partners could face felony charges. In Georgia and Tennessee it's a misdemeanor which means fines or imprisonment could result from sexual relationships with first cousins.

Cousin Marriage Exceptions

• Arizona: Legal if both parties are over 65 or unable to have children.
• Utah: Permitted if both individuals are over 65 or one party cannot have children.
• Maine: Allowed after genetic counseling.

"Kentucky was the first state to ban marriage between cousins in 1850," noted historians.

The practice raises significant health concerns; children born from incestuous relationships face at least a 25% higher chance of severe genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. These unions increase risks for developmental disabilities and other health issues too.

The Debate Over Legality

"Whether cousin marriage should be illegal in the US is fraught," argued scholars from MIT who believe bans align with eugenics concepts by serving public health goals through government control."

A review estimated that incest affects about 15% of US families—a figure much higher than previous estimates suggesting only around 2%. This discrepancy highlights underreporting often due to shame or abuse dynamics preventing disclosure.

The Case Study: West Virginia's Whittaker Family

The Whittaker family from Odd West Virginia gained attention following a documentary revealing how generations were impacted by inbreeding resulting in intellectual disabilities physical conditions among members including communication limited only via barks grunts some suffered heart attacks others died young siblings Ray Betty Larry Lorene son Timmy remain living together today marking history beginning when identical twin brothers' offspring married each other back during late-1930s era sparking lineage continued till present day showcasing effects long-term intermarriage within close-knit community settings across America’s rural landscapes nationwide spanning decades past into future possibilities yet unknown given current trends societal norms evolving rapidly alongside increased awareness educational outreach programs targeting prevention measures combating stigma associated topic overall ensuring better outcomes those affected directly indirectly alike moving forward positively 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