One in 14 children who die in England have closely related parents, study finds

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Tobi Thomas Health and inequalities correspondentFebruary 12, 2026 at 01:01 AM

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A recent study by the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) found that 7% of child deaths in England between 2019 and 2023 involved children whose parents were closely related. This first-of-its-kind analysis of over 13,000 child deaths highlights the overrepresentation of children with consanguineous parents in mortality statistics. The study revealed significant ethnic disparities, with 79% of these deaths occurring in children of Asian ethnicity, particularly those of Pakistani background. Furthermore, over half of the deceased children with related parents lived in the most deprived areas of England. Researchers emphasize the need for urgent action to improve outcomes for this vulnerable group, given the clear link between consanguinity and increased child mortality.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Pakistani community 50% Bradford 60% National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) 70% University of Bristol 80% Karen Luyt 90%

Keywords

child mortality 100% consanguinity 90% close relatives 80% ethnic disparities 70% socioeconomic disparities 60% england 50% pakistani community 50% first cousins 40%

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The Guardian - World News

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child mortality consanguinity close relatives ethnic disparities socioeconomic disparities england pakistani community first cousins

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