Cousin marriage remains a deeply rooted tradition in parts of South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, where family ties and cultural continuity often outweigh concerns raised by health experts. Pakistan records the highest global rate, with more than 60 percent of marriages occurring between cousins. Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates follow closely, each reporting figures above 50 percent. Other countries with significant prevalence include Sudan, Afghanistan, Mauritania, Iraq, Yemen, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, where rates range from 38 to 50 percent.
Supporters of the practice argue that marrying within the family strengthens trust, preserves property, and maintains cultural identity. In many communities, it is seen as a safeguard against social and economic uncertainty. Religious acceptance also plays a role, as cousin marriage is permitted in Islam and has long been part of family structures across Muslim-majority nations.
Critics, however, point to the medical risks. Studies show that repeated cousin marriages increase the likelihood of recessive genetic disorders, raising concerns for children born in such unions. Governments in countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran have introduced premarital genetic counseling programs to address these risks, while public health campaigns in Pakistan and Afghanistan highlight the importance of awareness.
Public response is divided. Older generations often defend the tradition as a cornerstone of family life, while younger people in urban areas increasingly question its relevance in a globalized world. In Western nations, cousin marriage is rare and sometimes stigmatized, with laws restricting or banning it in parts of the United States and Europe. This contrast fuels international debate over cultural relativism versus public health priorities.
Despite growing awareness of the risks, cousin marriage remains common in rural communities where tradition carries more weight than medical advice. As globalization and education reshape family choices, the practice is slowly declining among younger generations, but it continues to spark conversations about the balance between cultural heritage and modern health concerns.
