Hamamy, H. (2012). Consanguineous marriages. Journal of Community Genetics, 3(3), 185-192. DOI: 10.1007/s12687-011-0072-y

Consanguinity is a profoundly entrenched societal trend that affects one-fifth of the world’s population, primarily in the Middle East, West Asia, and North Africa, as well as emigrants from these areas now living in North America, Europe, and Australia. An increasing number of couples contemplating marriage and reproduction in highly consanguineous societies are seeking consanguinity counseling. Public awareness about the prevention of congenital and genetic diseases in kids is spreading.

Primary health care practitioners frequently encounter consanguineous couples who want answers to their queries about the health risks their children may face. The authors believe that preconception and premarital consanguinity counseling should be part of health care practitioner training. Such training is especially important in very consanguineous populations.