If a cousin has a child, the risk of infant death and congenital malformations increases, FHI believes. If there had been a health risk, it would have been in the Koran, believes “Asim”.
A bride shows off her wedding jewelry. Illustration photo: Shutterstock
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Published: 28/09/2023 09:13 | Updated: 28/09/2023 10:42
The short version
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) warns of health problems among children of cousins. The government proposes a ban on marriages between close relatives such as cousins and aunts/uncles/nephews/nieces. The aim is to prevent health damage in children and reduce the risk of forced marriage. “Asim”, a Norwegian-Pakistani married to his cousin, rejects the health risk because he believes the Koran would warn about that. FHI’s study shows that the risk of stillbirth, infant death and congenital malformations is higher among children of cousins.
The summary is created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) and quality assured by Aftenposten’s journalists.
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In Norway, it is not forbidden to marry one’s cousin. But now it may be banned. The government has sent out a proposal to amend the Marriage Act.
Marriage between an aunt/uncle and a nephew/niece can also be prohibited. The purpose is to prevent health damage in children. The authorities assume that it will also be able to reduce the risk of forced marriage.
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2023-09-28 07:13:59
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