NHS Tells Midwives Not to “Stigmatise” Cousin Marriage Because “Only 15% Lead to Birth Defects”. Whatever Next?

As it emerges that the NHS training has told midwives not to “stigmatise” cousin marriage because “only 15% lead to birth defects”, the Telegraph‘s Michael Deacon wonders where this pandering to multicultural madness might lead.

Last September the NHS caused something of a stir by publishing an article that extolled the supposed benefits of marrying your first cousin. According to the article, published by NHS England’s Genomics Education Programme, cousin marriage – which is particularly widespread in families of Pakistani Muslim heritage – can have “economic advantages”.

A fascinating claim. I wonder whether the authors would say that marrying your sister has “economic advantages”, too. After all, the wedding would be a lot cheaper. Because the bride’s family would also be the groom’s.

Anyway, less than six months later, the NHS is now embroiled in a second row over cousin marriage – because it’s emerged that even more eye-opening claims have been made in training guidance for midwives. Somewhat controversially, this guidance declares that the “increased risk of genetic conditions among the offspring of close relative couples” has “often been exaggerated”. It also tells midwives that “discouraging cousin marriage is inappropriate”, and that they must not “stigmatise” patients who have a baby with their first cousin – because, in some cultures, it’s “perfectly normal”.

Since this guidance came to light, the NHS has assured the public that it “absolutely recognises the genetic risks of consanguineous relationships”, and promised to remove any “inappropriate wording”. Personally I think this is rather a pity, because I’d been planning to offer the NHS the following guidance of my own, regarding other cruelly maligned customs. In the name of inclusivity, I do hope the NHS will still consider it.

Witchcraft

Although peer-reviewed studies have yet to prove that disease can be cured using magic, this practice is considered perfectly normal in some cultures, and should therefore be adopted immediately by the NHS. Doctors are advised that it is considered particularly useful when dealing with patients possessed by evil spirits.

Suttee

Hurling yourself on to the blazing funeral pyre of your deceased husband may be frowned on by some in the UK, but this ancient custom does have economic advantages. Given the ever-rising cost of heating bills, it represents a much cheaper way to keep warm.

Cannibalism

The consumption of other human beings offers a number of key health benefits. First, human flesh is an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc and essential B vitamins. Also, unlike many meat products sold in supermarkets, it is not processed and contains no added flavourings or preservatives. Patients are to be reminded, however, that human flesh should be eaten as part of a balanced diet, because excessive consumption can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, bowel cancer and life imprisonment.

Note: NHS staff are advised not to stigmatise members of the cannibal community. Not least because this could lead to the staff being eaten themselves.

Worth reading in full.

Image: Screenshot from Netflix’s When Cousins Marry (2010).