JEDDAH: Around 90 percent of men with sickle cell anemia and thalassemia
insist on marrying first cousins even though there is a high risk of
their children having these disorders and birth defects.
This is according to Ali Al-Ghamdi, general supervisor of marriage tests at
Jeddah’s regional laboratory, who said that couples with genetic
disorders often marry because they want to adhere to traditions,
according to a report in a local publication recently.
Al-Ghamdi said that couples are not obliged to take tests. If they do, they are at
least aware of the risks involved if they tie the knot with one of them
having a genetic disorder.
He said clinics test for sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, among other diseases. If couples are negative they are given a certificate to continue their procedures. If one or
both has a genetic disease they are referred to a specialist clinic
where they will get advice on the consequences of getting married.
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90% with genetic disorders marry cousins | Arab News
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