Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Puerto Rico under specific conditions. The territory follows U.S. federal marriage laws but applies local civil codes, permitting first-cousin unions unless prohibited by public policy. Recent 2026 amendments to the Puerto Rico Civil Code clarify permissible degrees of consanguinity, aligning with genetic counseling requirements.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Puerto Rico
- Consanguinity Limits: First-cousin marriages are permitted, but unions between double first cousins or closer relatives (e.g., siblings) remain void under Artículo 68 of the Puerto Rico Civil Code.
- Medical Disclosures: Couples must submit genetic screening results from the Departamento de Salud de Puerto Rico if either party has a family history of hereditary disorders, per Ley 136-2023.
- Judicial Review: A judge may annul a cousin marriage if evidence suggests coercion or fraud, per Artículo 102 of the Código Civil, effective 2026.
Puerto Rico’s framework reflects a balance between cultural traditions and public health priorities. The Oficina del Procurador del Ciudadano enforces compliance, while the Tribunal Supremo has upheld cousin marriages in cases where no statutory violations exist. Genetic counseling waivers may apply for couples over 50 or those unable to conceive.