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A public health trust in the United Kingdom recently posted a nursing job focused on supporting families involved in close-relative marriage. The role aimed to address genetic health risks linked to the practice.
The position, titled Neonatal Nurse Close Relative Marriage, was advertised through the National Health Service. It sought an experienced nurse to help families make informed reproductive decisions through genetic testing and counseling. The job posting has since closed.
Role Focused on Genetic Awareness
According to the job description, the nurse would work with families considered at risk of inherited genetic disorders. These risks are more common when parents are biologically related, most often as first cousins.
The role involved encouraging genetic testing and improving awareness of inherited conditions. In addition, the nurse would support families through culturally sensitive discussions about health risks.
The position also aimed to help reduce infant and child illness and death linked to genetic disorders. Officials said the approach focused on education rather than discouraging the practice itself.
Practice More Common in Certain Communities
Close-relative marriage is uncommon in most Western countries. However, it remains more frequent in parts of the Middle East and South Asia. It is also practiced within some immigrant communities in the UK.
Health authorities have increasingly emphasized outreach and genetic counseling. As a result, the job posting listed Urdu language skills as desirable, reflecting outreach to affected communities.
Research Highlights Genetic Risks
Medical research has long linked close-relative marriage to higher genetic risks. Studies show children born to first cousins face a 2% to 4% higher risk of genetic and congenital disorders compared to the general population.
However, researchers also note that most children born to related parents are healthy. Risk levels vary widely between families, and it remains difficult to predict which couples face the greatest risk.
Concerns Over Normalization
Some policy analysts have raised concerns about the role. They argue that targeted health positions could unintentionally normalize close-relative marriage.
Critics warn that higher rates of inherited conditions may increase pressure on public health systems. Meanwhile, supporters say education and testing help families reduce preventable health risks.
NHS Trust Behind the Posting
The role was advertised by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, one of the UK’s largest hospital networks. The trust operates multiple hospitals across Greater Manchester and Trafford.
The posting stated that applicants should value diversity while supporting public health goals. The trust has not issued further public comment on the role.
