If a first cousin has a child, the risk of infant death and birth defects increases, FHI believes. If there was a health risk, it would have been present in the Qur’an, as Asim believes.
A bride shows off her wedding jewelry.
The short version
- The Norwegian Public Health Institute (FHI) warns of health problems among cousin children. The government proposes to impose a ban on marriage between close relatives such as cousins and aunts/uncles/nephews/nieces.
- The purpose is to prevent health damage to children and reduce the risks of forced marriage.
- Asim, a Norwegian-Pakistani married to his cousin, rejects the health risks because he believes the Qur’an warns against them.
- The risk of stillbirth, infant death and congenital malformations is higher among first-cousin babies, a WHO study shows.
The summary is created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) and quality guaranteed by Aftenposten journalists.
In Norway, it is not forbidden to marry one’s cousin. But now it may be blocked. The government presents a proposal to amend the marriage law
Marriages between aunt/uncle and nephew/niece can also be prohibited. The purpose is to prevent health damage in children. The authorities assume that they will also be able to reduce the risks of forced marriage.
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