I just read an interesting article citing opinions of two professors, Prof. Hamish Spencer of the University of Otago and Prof. Diane Paul at Harvard, who believe that laws banning marriage between first cousins are outdated. Apparently, while comparing stats from the US National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), the professors assert that the genetic risks involved with first cousins having children with birth defects is similar to mothers who are over 40. So, since we aren't banning women who are over 40 from having children, we shouldn't ban first cousins from reproducing either. What do you think about this?
Here's the link to the article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081222221535.htm