Healthy Generations for Our Future: Consequences of Consanguineous Marriages and Awareness Initiatives

When a child is born, countless dreams reflect in their eyes, and silent blossoms of hope grow in their heart.
Consanguineous marriages are not just the seeds of genetic disorders—they are invisible walls that take away both choice and future from those involved.
Behind these walls, hearts dim, futures are damaged, and the light within gradually fades.

The meeting held on July 2, 2025, was more than just the signing of a document — it was a sincere expression of valuing human life and approaching future generations with love and responsibility.
The coming together of the “Blood Donors Association,” the “Innovative Progress and Ecology” Public Union for Socio-Economic Development, and the Adalia International Women’s Platform marked a celebration of solidarity, strength, and faith in greater goals.

The main objective of this initiative was to prevent the negative consequences of marriages between blood relatives, to help families build a healthier future, to allow boys and girls to reach their dreams, and to open a door of hope for them to move forward more confidently in life.
This event aims to eliminate the genetic risks caused by consanguineous marriages and, through awareness-raising initiatives, promises a healthier and brighter future for the next generations.

In their speeches at the event, Fuad Asgarov, Head of the “Blood Donors Association” Public Union; Saida Musayeva, Chairwoman of the “Innovative Progress and Ecology” Public Union for Socio-Economic Development; and Dilshad Ahadova, Head of the Adalia International Women’s Platform, emphasized that strengthening the role of youth in society, protecting their rights, and ensuring a healthy generation and a sustainable future are among the most important and sensitive issues of our time.

The event was held in the hall of the National NGO Forum of Azerbaijan. We express our gratitude to the Chairman of the Forum, Ramil Isgandarli, for his support.

Consanguineous marriages not only contribute to the spread of genetic disorders but also undermine the free will of young people, condemning them to a life of obligation. Such unions restrict the social life of the youth, deepen domestic violence, and shake the very foundation of the family institution.

Fuad Asgarov, Head of the “Blood Donors Association” Public Union, notes that marriages between blood relatives lead to a narrowing of the gene pool, significantly increasing the likelihood of hereditary diseases. In such marriages, genetic mutations tend to recur, resulting in severe health problems in children, as well as various genetic deformities and disorders. As a result, the weakening of the gene pool has a negative impact on the overall health of society. Therefore, in order to ensure healthy future generations and protect them from diseases, it is crucial to avoid consanguineous marriages.

The recent amendments to the Family Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan were a necessity in this regard — a beacon of hope. Effective from June 1, 2025, these amendments have further strengthened legal mechanisms by prohibiting marriages between blood relatives.

As Fortuna magazine, we believe that these steps will illuminate the soul of society, deepen its social values and mindset, and build a strong, hope-filled bridge for future generations.

Author: Jamala Nakhchivani,
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Fortuna magazine