Very common in our religion/culture. But now medical science is saying that marrying within the blood family over generations can cause genetic mutations and there is a greater incidence of abnormalities in their children.
?
Re: Do children from intermarriages really have genetic disorders?
Its more of a cultural thing than religious IMHO.
Its inter-marriages over generations that mess things up, not just ikka-dukka shaadiyaan.
Re: Do children from intermarriages really have genetic disorders?
“Asian children are 17.5 times more likely to be born with neuro-degenerative conditions than white children, three times more likely to suffer profound deafness and almost twice as likely to have cerebral palsy. Several studies have established a link between inter-family marriage and such disorders.”
This is kinda related to the “mixed race” thread i opened in Science. Biologically, “inter-marriages” can increase the genetic risks because recessive alleles in the genes are more common, therefore there is more risk of deformity or genetic disease in future generations. In laymans terms; the more similar genes to you, the more chance of genetic problems.
Re: Do children from intermarriages really have genetic disorders?
Nik, I worked for 3 years for a perinatal pathologist and so I may be a bit biased here and I'm in no way a genetic specialist.
But from what I've seen, the more intermarriage that takes place, the greater the chance for infertility, miscarriage and genetic defect. Like the Ashkinazis who are all but extinct after centuries of unbroken intermarriage.
The study of animal husbandry also promotes "new blood" and teaches to avoid intermarriage to keep the breeds strong.
That said...its a roll of the dice and the blessing of God when you procreate. And even seeking genetic counselling and having all the DNA testing done, you can still have a child with autism, traumatic brain injury, premature birth or any number of other disabilities not currently uncovered in today's testing.
After working in the field for 3 years, I really appreciated the fact that the birth of a healthy, fully "normal" child is indeed quite a miracle.
Re: Do children from intermarriages really have genetic disorders?
Yeah this is quiet scary...both hubby and I have families with alot of intermarriages. infact, his parents are first cousins and so are mine! We were trying to do our own genetic analysis by going back a few generations and picking out any genetically inherited disorders but strange how it seems our entire khandan is 100% fit. i asked my mom if any cousins or siblings were born with any defects and she goes not that i can remember. So even if we go for genetic analysis, besides doing chormosome allignment, she can't do much with our family history since apprently we have none :(
Re: Do children from intermarriages really have genetic disorders?
In my family there are 4-5 marriages which occurred within the family, i.e.: first cousins getting married. All of their children about 10-12 are healthy MA except for one who has a genetic disorder. The doctors say it was caused because his parents are cousins. My point is that it does happend but if you look at our family one child was born this way out of all the possibilities. It is still very difficult for everyone though.
Re: Do children from intermarriages really have genetic disorders?
Some one from my dad's friend had cousin marriage. Both the children born out of that marriage are mute & deaf.
Similarly, know someone who have 1 child with blood cancer type issue rest of the 3 kids are fine. Both of the parents were first cousin.
On the other hand in my immediate family there is again a first cousin's marriage . 3 children out of that marriage and they all are masha allah healthy.