Thursday, 19 May 2016

"I see no reason that this could go horribly wrong!"

Today I have a few reflections on the 'Dangers of DNA'. There have been calls by law enforcement (mostly in the US) for access to biological information in genealogy DNA databases. Also, there is a movement to use the same DNA databases to trace unidentified bodies.
I think that both these things should be on an 'opt in' basis if they are ever realised. Imagine finding out that a close relative (a biological parent, sibling or grandparent) died a violent death, if you were an adoptee trying to trace family. A match comes up on Ancestry, or similar database, you respond, only to find out in the most impersonal way that something like that happened, or you were contacted by a member of the police to enquire after one of your close blood relatives who may be responsible for a rape or murder.

Things can also go horribly wrong for adoptees looking for answers, in my experience, there can be happy endings, but they seem to be a rarity. You may be treated with suspicion by people with close DNA matches, as they don't know what your motives are in contacting them. It needs to be handled with a great deal of tact and honesty. Some sites on social media actually advocate lying (sometimes by commission as well as omission) to matches when you first contact them as the word 'adoption' can cut off any further contact.  I really don't think dishonesty is the basis of any future relationship you may grow with someone. Being honest about your motives from the beginning, and telling people you have no expectations and no intention to disrupt families, is a fairer way to approach them, if you want their help.

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