More than half of British Pakistani births in Bradford between 2007-11 were to parents who are blood relatives, with 37 per cent first cousin unions, research has found. Birth involving such close relations doubles the risk of congenital defects.
The Born in Bradford study, looking at almost 11,400 babies, found that closely-related parents pose the greatest risk factor for congenital anomalies, including heart and lung defects, and additional fingers and toes.
“Our findings confirm that the offspring of consanguineous unions have an increased risk for congenital anomalies, which is independent of deprivation. Couples contemplating such unions should be advised of