Consanguinity

Consanguinity refers to a marriage or partnership between people who are blood relatives, such as first cousins, which is a longstanding and accepted practice within many communities in India and elsewhere. Because related partners are more likely to both carry the same rare recessive gene variant inherited from a shared ancestor, children of consanguineous couples can have a somewhat higher chance of autosomal recessive conditions compared with the general population, though most children of consanguineous couples are born healthy. This information is offered factually and without judgement of any community's customs; couples in consanguineous relationships, especially with a family history of a genetic condition, may find it helpful to have preconception genetic counselling and relevant carrier screening to understand their individual chances and options, in the same way any couple with a relevant family history might. Genetic counselling in this context focuses on informed choice and support, not on discouraging particular relationships.

Also known as: consanguineous marriage, cousin marriage and genetics, blood relative marriage

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.