Is there anyone married to his/her first cousin?

Question

I am madly in love with my first cousin and we plan to marry each other.Can any one tell me how can I go about it?What problems may I face in terms of physical,emotional and social scenario?We are both from Indian Hindu families.Will there be any problem in concieving a child?

Answer 1

From what I understand, it is legal in the State of Hawai'i for first cousins to marry. You could go there to marry and have a honeymoon in one trip!

Just to allay any concerns, first cousins marrying isn't as bad as it might sound. First cousins means that you share a common grandparent or two (or three or all four in rare cases). If a grandparent has a recessive gene that has negative effects, the probability that both children have the gene is 25%. To the next generation (of first cousins), it's 25% of that, or 1 in 16. Any children of first cousins would have a 25% chance of manifesting the recessive trait if the parents are carriers, so the odds go to 1 in 64, or less than 2%.

I'm not advocating that first cousins should marry, but I'm not opposed to it where it is legal. Just remember that any children from such a marriage with have fewer great-grandparents, but that shouldn't be too big of an issue. As a few other answerers have expressed, it is not well-received, so it's something where your blood relationship with your spouse might be best kept under wraps.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

If you are in the US, many states don't allow marriage between first cousins ( I actually can't think of a state where it's permitted).
If not, well your kids have a higher risk of being born with physical or mental defects since you two parents have a similar gene pool... but check with a doctor or a professional.
Question, ahem....aren't there any OTHER people you aren't related to you could meet and fall in love with?


* Edit:
Well, to the person below me that claims that only three states ban cousin marriages , CHECK YOUR FACTS RIGHT!
http://marriage.about.com/cs/marriagelicenses/a/cousin.htm

I counted 26 states banning the marriage between first cousins ( some allowing them to marry only if they do NOT have kids)
About the birth defects, its lower than what people think, however it's still there ( about 2-3% its up to you to decide if thats low or not)
http://academic.sun.ac.za/med_physiology/cousins.htm

Good luck!

Answer 3

I hate to inform all these experts above but, the legal truth is that it is legal for first cousins to marry in the United States in all but 3 states. With first cousins there are at least 3 seperate gene pools coming into play so the argument about birth defects is nothing more than a wives tale. Talk to your doctor about this and he/she can give you all the information you want about future children.

Answer 4

first cousin there is always a chance to have a healthy baby i had a friend who had her cousin got married together and there kids turn out just fine.
I am married to my second cousin.

Answer 5

I hear "Dueling Banjos", and I didn't know there was an Indian Hindu version of the song.

Answer 6

Ewwwwwwww........ Have you ever seen the movie, "WRONG TURN"???? Those freaks lived in the foot hills of Va. all deformed from inner breeding, thats just plain incestial!!

Get a grip! Sickos!

Answer 7

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!! Why must you marry a family member is this a culture thing this is just a mess

Answer 8

eeeewwww....is this for real?