second cousins

[hedgepiggle]

my grandaughter is in a relationship with my nephew. His mother and I are sisters. are they able to marry?

[hedgepiggle]

lets put this into family perspective i am the grandmother and the aunt. if they have children i would be the great grandmother and the great aunt to that child.

[Chistine123]

Hi, must be very difficult with such conflicting views in the family. May be an idea to provide real case evidences to present to the couple, revealing possible consequences in this type of relationship for offspring. Some cultures/ethnic groups intermarry and there seems to be a high percentage of children born with disabilities. Just a thought here, present them with facts - it could make them think twice.They must hopefully consider outcomes.

[katiefatbutt]

Yes Legally! But if they have children they are surely going to be more at risk of hereditary factors and other problems due to the same bloodlines!

[jackthehat]

Such marriages were a lot more common before 20th Century.

Is this to do more with your embarassment than real concerns for any children from the union ?

Is no-one reading the link I provided initially ?

[ummmm]

PKU is a risk.

[jackthehat]

^ But is completely controllable;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenylketonuria

[coccinelle]

Yes, I know what you mean hedgepiggle (lovely name by the way!) by you being the great grandmother and great aunt at the same time!
She's only 17 and won't be thinking of settling down to have a family yet so lots can happen between now and then.

[beso]

The chances of children of these cousins being born with abnormalities is only very slightly higher than unrelated parents. I think many posts here are overstating this risk.

[ummmm]

I know it's controllable Jack but you really wouldn't want a child with it. My ex has both a nephew and a cousin with it. There diet is a lot more restricted than even a vegan.

[hedgepiggle]

I take on board what everyone is saying and thank you all for your views. No it's not an embarrassment, my concerns are that any children could be disabled and that can put a strain on any relationship. My feeling is that she would be left holding the baby so's to speak. My hope is that it will burn itself out because of the age difference. Yes we have put all options to them but they aren't ready to listen.