ethical and legal aspects

Last reviewed 01/2018

In the UK, under the Congenital Disabilities Act of 1976, legal action can be brought against an individual whose negligent action resulted in a child being born disabled, abnormal or unhealthy.

It is the legal duty of all doctors to provide the most recent, valid information about genetic conditions. Omitting to do so for whatever reason would leave the doctor open to litigation if, upon future pregnancy or prenatal diagnosis, fetal abnormality was discovered. However, a claim would fail if both parents had known and accepted any risks.

Consanguineous marriages between first-degree relatives such as siblings is generally forbidden is most cultures. However, the first level of relationship that is permitted to marry varies from country to country. The marriage of double first cousins with both grandparents in common is the closest legal union in the UK.