A doctor in China recalls her shock after learning the background of a hopeful parent and patient. Apparently, the mum-to-be married a blood relative.
In this article, you’ll read:
- Doctor Learns Shocking Background of Hopeful Parent
- The Truth Behind the Hopeful Parent’s Family History
- Risks Involved in Blood-Related Unions
Doctor Learns Shocking Background of Hopeful Parent
A video on social media went viral and sparked an online debate about inter-family marriage in China. It starts out simple with a conversation between a doctor and her patient.
However, things took a turn when the medical practitioner expressed her shock upon learning about the hopeful parent’s background.
The woman and her doctor talked about the different pregnancy attempts she experienced. According to her, she went through four failed pregnancies and three unsuccessful in vitro fertilisation attempts.
On the 1st of June, Star Video published a video showing a doctor consulting a woman struggling to conceive a healthy baby. Star Video is a popular self-media platform in mainland China. The video was taken in the Gansu province in northwestern China.
The Truth Behind the Hopeful Parent’s Family History
Image Source: Sina
The doctor asked her female patient about her family history in the video. Upon responding, she was surprised to find out that the woman was married to her cousin.
The patient is a Chinese woman and a college graduate. She surprised her doctor and netizens by revealing with whom she tied the knot with. The couple’s blood relation comes from the wife’s paternal side. Her husband is the son of her paternal aunt.
To her surprise, some words related to the woman’s situation came out of her mouth. “From what I understand, only illiterate people marry close relatives,” said the doctor.
The doctor’s statement did not end with that; she then asked her patient:
“As I see here that you both have a bachelor’s degree, why did you still marry your cousin?”
The hopeful parent said nothing as a response. However, she also smiled awkwardly after hearing the question.
In addition, the doctor asked her patient once again. “Have you considered splitting up to find your respective other halves?”
“We’d rather not have a baby then,” the woman replied.
She also explained that despite their unusual situation, she and her cousin had a good relationship.
The doctor recommended the couple try finding a sperm donor. According to her, it could be the best way for them to have a healthy baby.
“That works,” said the woman. “My husband and families are all on board with this option.”
Netizens Spark Debate on Hopeful Parent’s Marriage
Image Source: iStock
As of the writing of this article, mainland China considers cousin marriage as illegal. However, consanguineous marriage – that between close relatives – continue to exist despite the law. It usually happens in mountainous villages and islands because of less developed transport networks.
China does not allow marriages between patrilateral cousins since ancient times. Patrilateral parallel cousins are the children of two male siblings.
An internet user said: “Why don’t you do your homework ahead of time and avoid falling in love with close relatives?”
In contrast, the government generally permitted men and women of the same maternal ancestor to marry only until the current marriage law took effect in 1981.
Like the doctor’s reaction, several netizens were surprised to find out about their marriage and family history. They did not expect such marriage to happen in modern China.
Another netizen commented: “I’m not against this type of relationship, but I think it’s a disrespect to life to give birth to children when they know there’s a high chance of aberration.”
Risks Involved in Blood-Related Unions
Image Source: iStock
Do babies born between two cousins have a higher chance of having congenital disabilities or birth defects? At present, several countries across the globe do not allow marriages between first cousins. Furthermore, many countries ban this type of union.
When it comes to genetics, the more DNA you share, the risk of your offspring developing a genetic disease increases. These include cystic fibrosis or sickle-cell anaemia.
Remember that you don’t have to be sick to give your child a genetic disease. Research says that marriage between first cousins doubles the risk of children being born with birth defects. They have higher than expected rates of deaths and congenital abnormalities in the baby.
The risk of having a baby with birth defects can sometimes be fatal. It usually poses a threat to the baby’s heart or nervous system.
In relation to this, a study has concluded that the cultural practice of marriage between first cousins is a huge factor. In some countries, this kind of issue is highly sensitive. It is because marriage within families is an established cultural tradition for them.
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