Social media has been abuzz with viral videos from Pakistan showing the health consequences of cousin marriages—a practice considered taboo and illegal among Hindus in India but culturally common in Pakistan and some diaspora communities in the UK. The clips, widely circulated since July 2025, feature stories and images of children with rare genetic disorders, reigniting scientific and public health debate about consanguinity.
What Do The Viral Videos Show?
The recent wave of videos highlights children suffering from congenital malformations and disabilities, which experts explain are linked to increased genetic risks in cousin marriages. British far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s viral video, targeting UK’s Pakistani community, claims that cousin marriages reportedly occur in 46–60% of British Pakistani families (down from 76% earlier claims) and contribute to up to 33% of birth defect cases in the country.
Scientific Evidence: Genetic Risks
Research shows that when cousins marry, their shared genetic material increases the likelihood of passing on recessive disorders—conditions that require both parents to carry the same faulty gene. Such marriages triple the risk of birth defects compared to unrelated parents—raising the probability from 2–3% to about 4–7% per pregnancy. Disorders like thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, congenital deafness, heart defects, and mental disabilities are observed at higher rates in communities where cousin marriage is prevalent.
A major study in Bradford, UK found that:
- Children of first cousins had an 11% chance of speech and language problems, versus 7% in unrelated families
- Only 54% reached “good stage of development” by age five, compared to 64% of others
- Birth defects in children of cousins were twice as likely, but still affected only 6% of births
Cultural Divide
In Pakistan, cousin and other kinship marriages are common, motivated by social and economic reasons like keeping property within the family. Estimates place consanguineous marriages at 60–70%—among the highest rates globally—and experts in 2022 found over 130 genetic disorders prevalent in Pakistani families. In contrast, Hindu marriage customs strictly prohibit same-gotra (lineage) or cousin marriages due to both religious taboo and scientific reasoning.
The Controversy in the UK
The debate intensified in UK Pakistani communities after viral posts claimed they account for one-third of birth defects, putting a strain on the National Health Service. While cousin marriage remains legal, public health campaigns now focus on genetics education, risk counseling, and preserving individual health without stoking racism or stigma.
Conclusion
While cousin marriage does increase risk for genetic disorders and birth defects, experts clarify that most children born to such couples are perfectly healthy. The challenge remains balancing cultural traditions with science-based health measures—through better awareness, medical counseling, and genetic screening. The viral videos serve as a wake-up call for greater openness about genetics and informed family planning in affected communities.