Marriage between first cousins is legal in England and Wales under the Marriage Act 1949, as they are not listed among the prohibited degrees of relationship. The Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Act 1986 addresses relationships by affinity but does not affect cousin marriages.
Cheryl and David Hickman, first cousins from Hertfordshire, reconnected as adults and married. Cheryl has expressed her desire to have a child with David, referencing NHS guidance that suggests the genetic risks associated with cousin marriages may be lower than commonly believed. However, this guidance was met with criticism from experts and politicians who argue there are increased genetic risks for children of first cousins. The NHS has since withdrawn the document. Despite ten miscarriages, Cheryl maintains she would try for a child if possible.
