Domestic Matrimonial Customs: An Examination
In many parts of the world, consanguineous marriages, or marriages between relatives, are a common practice. These unions, often between cousins, have been a part of various cultures for centuries. However, the increasing awareness of the potential risks associated with such marriages has sparked a growing conversation about their implications.
The likelihood of a genetic disease is related to the closeness of the relationship between the parents. The closer the relationship, the higher the risk of sharing harmful gene mutations. For instance, in marriages between second-degree cousins, the genetic similarity coefficient is approximately 0.03125, which is typically the threshold to define a marriage as consanguineous.
Consanguineous marriages can increase the risk of inheritable recessive genetic disorders and birth defects in children. Autosomal recessive diseases, a diverse group of disorders, can include symptoms such as developmental delay, mental retardation, muscular disorders, neurological diseases, blood disorders, multi-system diseases, and more. Specific autosomal recessive disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, phenylketonuria (PKU), and Tay-Sachs disease.
Cystic fibrosis, for example, is a genetic disorder that affects the epithelial tissues, impairing the secretions, breathing, and absorption functions of the tissues, leading to pulmonary and gastrointestinal system complications. The average lifespan of cystic fibrosis patients is around 27 years.
In some cases, only one parent may pass on a defective copy, but spontaneous mutations in the other gene can still lead to the onset of the disorder. For instance, in carrier couples, the risk of a child being affected by the disease is 25% per pregnancy. In recessive diseases, the risk of children becoming carriers is 50%, and the risk of the mutant gene not being passed on is also 25%.
The intergenerational history of consanguinity also increases the risk of genetic disorders. For example, in Turkey, cousin marriages are a significant factor contributing to the prevalence of rare diseases. Approximately 5 million people are affected by this issue. In Pakistan, the mortality rate among children of first cousins is 7.9%, while that of children born to parents who are both siblings themselves (double first cousins) is as high as 12.7%. This is compared to a rate of around 5.1% in children from non-consanguineous marriages.
Raising awareness about diseases that can result from in-family marriages and planning services accordingly is of great importance. This includes educating the public about the risks associated with consanguineous marriages, providing genetic counselling services, and implementing policies that encourage genetic diversity in marriages.
In conclusion, while consanguineous marriages have been a part of many cultures for centuries, the potential risks associated with these unions, particularly the increased likelihood of babies being born with hereditary genetic disorders, cannot be overlooked. It is crucial to promote awareness and take necessary measures to minimise these risks.
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