ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book concerns, in the main, with reproduction – for which marriage is not an essential prerequisite. Nevertheless, much of sexuality and the greater part of parenthood still subsist within the marital relationship. Sex and marriage are interdependent; indeed, the definition of the latter depends upon that of the former. A short introductory note on marriage and sex is not, therefore, out of place. It is clear that the medico-legal interests in the validity of marriage relate to the mental health and the sex of the parties. Consummation of marriage is more a matter of sexual intercourse and reproduction and will be considered as a separate issue. Public opinion might be willing to approve a change in the law to allow for a genuine medical need within an acceptable, albeit potentially hypocritical, 'pastiche' of marriage as it is generally understood.
