20 | Journal Club: The Ethics of DNA Testing
- Virginia&Frances MD&MS
- Oct 21, 2020
- 1 min read
Hello YANSS podcast fans! We are bringing you another journal club episode on the ethics of DNA testing. In this case, we discuss different uses of direct-to-consumer DNA tests.
Virginia starts off talking about how direct-to-consumer kits can give people unprecedented access to their own health information, specifically their genetic predisposition to certain diseases (like breast cancer and heart disease). However, there is a possibility for people to be harmed, as there is no provider to walk you through your results.
Frances discusses police use of genetic information to solve crimes. Specifically, searching genetic databases built by users of direct-to-consumer DNA testing for forensic genealogy. While solving crimes, especially violent crimes, is in the best interest of the community, there are privacy concerns for people who have not consented for police searches.
Hope you enjoy!
Sources
Virginia
The current landscape for direct-to-consumer genetic testing: legal, ethical, and policy issues
Frances
Should police have access to genetic genealogy databases? Capturing the Golden State Killer and other criminals using a controversial new forensic technique
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