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Posted 1/31/2026

As surprising as it may be, being related to your lover isn't that uncommon. All humans are extremely closely related, sharing roughly 99.5% to 99.9% of their DNA with every other person on Earth. Geneticists estimate everyone on the planet is at least a 50th cousin to everyone else. Molecular evidence confirms a common ancestry for all humans, originating from ancestors in Africa.

2019 was the year that the blood test requirement before marriage was abolished. Premarital screenings included tests for infectious diseases (HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B/C), blood group/Rh factor compatibility, and genetic disorders like thalassemia or sickle cell anemia to ensure future family health. Some tests screened for rubella because of the devastating effects it could have on a pregnancy.

The tests that were previously conducted were used strictly as a public health measure - they weren't used to determine if you or your mate were related. As a matter of fact, it is also legal in most of the United States to marry a first cousin....Click Here.