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.