Severe birth defect on rise in towns of polygamists

The AP reports:

A rare, severe birth defect is on the rise in an inbred polygamous community on the Utah-Arizona border, according to a doctor who has treated many of the children.

Intermarriage among close relatives is producing children who have two copies of a recessive gene for a debilitating condition called fumarase deficiency. The enzyme irregularity causes severe mental retardation, epileptic seizures and other effects that often leave children unable to take care of themselves.

No word yet on commenting about the genetic problems of the popular and peaceful religion in other parts of the world that also practices polygamy.