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Ethics and DNA Testing: Difference between revisions
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Finding biological parents for adoptees (or others) can be beneficial, as it can open the door to knowledge about one's medical family history and other relationships. Though this can certainly be a positive family reunion, it may not be the case for every testee. Locating one's biological parents never has a guaranteed positive outcome for either the child or the parent(s). "Everyone has a right to know about their biological family. But no one has a right to a relationship."<ref>Southard, Diahan. ''Your DNA Guide: The Book'', Your DNA Guide: 2020, page 30.</ref> If you desire a relationship with a DNA match (including newly-discovered parents) but the match does not reciprocate that desire, do not continue to pester or push them into contact with you. This has the potential to burn bridges and create negative feelings.<br><br> | Finding biological parents for adoptees (or others) can be beneficial, as it can open the door to knowledge about one's medical family history and other relationships. Though this can certainly be a positive family reunion, it may not be the case for every testee. Locating one's biological parents never has a guaranteed positive outcome for either the child or the parent(s). "Everyone has a right to know about their biological family. But no one has a right to a relationship."<ref>Southard, Diahan. ''Your DNA Guide: The Book'', Your DNA Guide: 2020, page 30.</ref> If you desire a relationship with a DNA match (including newly-discovered parents) but the match does not reciprocate that desire, do not continue to pester or push them into contact with you. This has the potential to burn bridges and create negative feelings.<br><br> | ||
Some who take DNA tests may also discover unexpected parental relationships, such as learning that the parent that raised them was not actually their biological parent. This is often difficult for the child involved, and can disrupt relationships. "...test takers should be prepared to handle scenarios in which they discover either new relatives or that their existing "relatives" aren't actually biologically related."<ref>Bettinger, Blaine T. ''The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy'', Family Tree Books: 2016, page 38.</ref> | Some who take DNA tests may also discover unexpected parental relationships, such as learning that the parent that raised them was not actually their biological parent. This is often difficult for the child involved, and can disrupt relationships. "...test takers should be prepared to handle scenarios in which they discover either new relatives or that their existing "relatives" aren't actually biologically related."<ref>Bettinger, Blaine T. ''The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy'', Family Tree Books: 2016, page 38.</ref> | ||
===Privacy | === Privacy Laws === | ||
Privacy laws surrounding DNA | Privacy laws surrounding DNA vary by country. Genealogical societies, specifically those interested in using DNA in research, in your country may be able to provide you with more information. You may also wish to contact legal counsel for specific recommendations. | ||
In the United States, DNA privacy is protected under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008. "The Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) protects the genetic privacy of the public, including research participants. The passage of GINA makes it illegal for health insurers or employers from requesting or requiring genetic information of an individual or of family members (and further prohibits the discriminatory use of such information)."<ref>National Human Genome Research Institute. "Privacy in Genomics", https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/policy-issues/Privacy#:~:text=Genetic%20Information%20Nondiscrimination%20Act%20(GINA,the%20public%2C%20including%20research%20participants. accessed 13 August 2020.</ref> | |||
In the United States, DNA privacy is protected under the [https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/genetic-information-nondiscrimination-act-2008 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008]. "The Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) protects the genetic privacy of the public, including research participants. The passage of GINA makes it illegal for health insurers or employers from requesting or requiring genetic information of an individual or of family members (and further prohibits the discriminatory use of such information)."<ref>National Human Genome Research Institute. "Privacy in Genomics", https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/policy-issues/Privacy#:~:text=Genetic%20Information%20Nondiscrimination%20Act%20(GINA,the%20public%2C%20including%20research%20participants. accessed 13 August 2020.</ref> | |||
==Good Practices== | ==Good Practices== | ||
===Respect others' privacy=== | ===Respect others' privacy=== | ||