Journal of Clinical & Medical Genomics

Consanguinity and Reproductive Health: Risks, Benefits and Clinical Approaches

Abstract

Loran Pinara

Consanguinity, or marriage between individuals who share a common
ancestor, has been practiced across various cultures and regions of the
world for centuries. Historically, consanguineous unions were encouraged for
reasons related to social cohesion, economic gain, or maintaining the purity of
lineage and family ties. In many parts of the world, particularly in the Middle
East, South Asia and parts of Africa, consanguinity remains common and in
some societies, it continues to be a culturally accepted and even preferred
practice.