Hereditary Diseases
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what role his Department played in the development, approval, or distribution of guidance to NHS midwives which stated that consanguineous marriage had “benefits” and that the prevalence of genetic defects among children born to consanguineous couples was “exaggerated”.
Answered by Karin Smyth
These phrases were not included in any guidance issued by the National Health Service. They were included in training materials which also made clear the genetic risk associated with close relative marriage.
The Department had no role in the development, approval, or distribution of the training materials which included these phrases. The training materials were retired in 2025.
We fully recognise the genetic risks of consanguineous relationships, and we offer referral to genetics services so individuals understand the risks and can make informed decisions.
We are working with the NHS to look into how this training was developed, and to make sure it never happens again.
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