Originally posted by Digi
This is an emotional argument. You make some good points otherwise, but it's so, so easy to let reactions like these form our opinion on the matter. And I think it's instructive to see how infused into the discussion this sort of statement is.Psych eval. + consenting, emotionally stable adults. It's weird for me to think about too, but no more or less repugnant than other scenarios if we control for those potential pitfalls. You might still be right; a part of me really wants to agree with this in full. But I want to hear a rebuttal to that that makes sense to me.
Which is why, earlier, I said that it would be instructive to see what the rates of birth defects are for older women. We don't look down on or contemplate legislation on women over 40 having babies. Or 50. Or whatever. But there are proven risks involved. Is it a double standard? Or are the risks MUCH higher for incest? I don't know the answer, but I think the answer would reveal a lot about our possible preconceptions.
I think when you have to start talking about mandatory psych evals before relationships can begin you're talking about a situation where the alternative of the couple having to find others to be with is more viable than doing what it takes for them to be together in a "healthy" way. Premarital counseling is certainly something that I think most professionals would recommend for any couple, but if it's essential, then there's something of merit in considering the possible flaws that may arise as reason for keeping the practice outlawed.