Should cousins marry?

SBS's Insight program meets cousin couples, their families, doctors and geneticists to find out why cousin relationships are both celebrated and scorned.

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Across the country, cousins are having relationships with one another, marrying and having children.

 

Although it is legal in Australia for cousins to marry, it still remains a cultural taboo for many people.

 

Children born to blood relatives are more susceptible to various health problems and there can be an increase in infant mortality and stillbirth rates.

 

This week on SBS's Insight program, presenter Jenny Brockie brings together cousin couples, their families, doctors and geneticists to find out why cousin relationships are both celebrated and scorned.

 

She told Santilla Chingaipe, the program explores many different attitudes to the practice.