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An early finding on research undertaken in the region has shed light on autism, one of the problems often associated with consanguineous marriages. Hopefully it will also lead to more findings in other genetic defects, such as thalassemia, for example. For some time it has been known that endogamy, which is still widely practised in the Middle East, Turkey and Pakistan, can increase the possibility of genetic defects through hereditariness. Science has argued that the practice of intermarriage, especially of cousins, should cease to ensure healthy offspring. Sadly, though, due to culture, law or conservative tradition, endogamy is still practised in many countries, not only in the Middle East where it is, perhaps, more common.
Fortunately as science and medicine become more aware of the problems of genetic diseases, so ways are being determined to overcome them. It does, of course, start with education, including the possibility of the intending couple to take blood tests prior to marriage, to determine what risks there might be, if any, of passing on any genetic disorder. Although such tests are not compulsory, it would certainly give caution should there be a chance of any hereditary disease being passed on.
While such checks are not meant to deter the marriage, it will at least alert the couple to the possibility of faulty genes existing. Should that arise, then the parents will need advice on the special care that will be needed to rear their offspring. This is particularly so in the case of autism, where depending on the severity, children will need constant supervision and treatment, often at schools or centres specialising in handling them.
It is encouraging to know that even though such diseases have been around for some time, research is still being undertaken to learn more about genetic disorders and how to combat them.
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