Azerbaijan bans marriages between blood relatives

In a significant move to address genetic health concerns, Azerbaijan has officially prohibited marriages between blood relatives. The Milli Majlis, Azerbaijan's parliament, passed amendments to the Family Code during its session on June 21, 2024, effectively banning unions between individuals with close biological ties.

According to Report, the updated legislation expands the list of circumstances that prevent marriage, specifically targeting relationships between children of siblings who share a common biological grandparent, as well as first cousins with biological kinship. This decision aims to reduce the incidence of genetic disorders and congenital abnormalities often associated with consanguineous marriages.

The amendments to Azerbaijan's Family Code not only prohibit marriages between blood relatives but also propose the expansion of the range of individuals who are not permitted to marry each other. The project was put to a vote after thorough discussions and was ultimately adopted in its first reading.