Gulf states concerned over inter-family marriage

Описание: Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe

Marriage between relatives is seen as distasteful within some cultures, but it has been a common feature in many others for thousands of years.

However, growing evidence has shown that children born to parents from the same extended family face a higher risk of developing a range of health problems.

Research from 2008 shows that marriage between cousins in the US, Europe, Russia and Australia is less than one per cent.

In countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, more than half of the population marry a spouse who is considered a relative.

Some of these countries and a number of African and Asian countries have the world's highest rates of birth defects - up to 69 cases in every thousand people.

Some experts say the real figure is much higher.

Like its Gulf neighbours, Qatar has now made pre-marital medical tests mandatory.

Charles Stratford has this report.

At Al Jazeera English, we focus on people and events that affect people's lives. We bring topics to light that often go under-reported, listening to all sides of the story and giving a 'voice to the voiceless.'
Reaching more than 270 million households in over 140 countries across the globe, our viewers trust Al Jazeera English to keep them informed, inspired, and entertained.
Our impartial, fact-based reporting wins worldwide praise and respect. It is our unique brand of journalism that the world has come to rely on.
We are reshaping global media and constantly working to strengthen our reputation as one of the world's most respected news and current affairs channels.

Social Media links:

Facebook:   / aljazeera  
Instagram: https://instagram.com/aljazeera/?ref=...
Twitter:   / ajenglish  
Website: http://www.aljazeera.com/
google+: https://plus.google.com/+aljazeera/posts