The birth defects argument

There seem to be several common arguments about why people in consanguinamorous relationships should not be in these relationships. The one I am going to address in this post is the argument that incestuous or consanguinamorous couples should not be together or procreate due to the risk of birth defects.

First, I want to point out that just because consenting adults are having sex together does not mean that they plan to procreate. So procreation in itself is not a valid reason to keep consanguinamorous people from being together. 

Furthermore, all people carry recessive traits that can potentially cause birth defects in varying degrees. Some people carry more serious genetic issues than others. But we do not forbid these people from procreating. We do leave that very personal decision up to the individual. 

Some examples of people who are at risk for passing on certain genetic defects to their future children include people who have Clubfoot Syndrome (talipes equinovarus), people with dwarfism, people with Tay-Sachs Disease, people with Sickle Cell trait or disease, people with Bipolar Disorder, people with Schizophrenia, and women over the age of 35. Absolutely none of the genetic issues I just mentioned have any type of law against the person with the issue having children. This choice is a personal choice. And it is the right of every individual to get the facts, assess the risks, and make informed decisions based on the information they collect. 

It should not be any different for couples in consanguinamorous relationships either. Their rates of passing on genetic issues are no higher than any of the conditions I mentioned. In fact, their risk is considerably LOWER than several of the conditions I listed. 

If you think someone should not have children based on their risk of passing on a genetic defect, ask yourself this: If I had one of these genetic issues, would I want someone else deciding whether I can have kids? Or would I want to make that decision myself? 

Each person is entitled to live, love, and procreate as they see fit, as long as they are in non abusive relationships with consenting adults. This should be no different for consanguinamorous people. 


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