What percentage of child deaths in England were linked to consanguinity?

Seven percent of child deaths in England between 2019 and 2023 were found to be of children born to consanguineous parents.

How does socio-economic status relate to child mortality and consanguinity?

More than half of the deceased children whose parents were close relatives lived in the most deprived areas of England, indicating a link to socio-economic status.

Home / Health / Child Deaths Linked to Consanguinity: Study Reveals Stark Disparities

Child Deaths Linked to Consanguinity: Study Reveals Stark Disparities

Q: What ethnic groups were most affected by child mortality and consanguinity?

The study revealed that four in five deceased children with consanguineous parents were from an Asian ethnic background, with Pakistani being the most common.

12 Feb

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Summary

7% of child deaths in England were from consanguineous parents.
Asian ethnic groups are disproportionately represented in mortality.
Children in deprived areas face higher risks from consanguinity.

Child Deaths Linked to Consanguinity: Study Reveals Stark Disparities

A comprehensive study of 13,045 child deaths in England from 2019 to 2023 has uncovered a concerning link between consanguinity and child mortality. The research found that 7% of these deaths involved children born to parents who are close blood relatives. This figure, while representing a small percentage, indicates a significant overrepresentation and necessitates urgent intervention.

The study also highlighted severe ethnic and socio-economic disparities. Four in five deceased children with consanguineous parents were from an Asian ethnic background, most commonly Pakistani. Almost a third of deceased children from Asian backgrounds had parents who were close relatives, compared to much lower percentages in other ethnic groups. Furthermore, over half of these children resided in the most deprived areas of England.