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Connecting Genetics to Your Ancestors

The 23andMe test provided Tanya with the surprising news that she had a twin; however, the test sparked even more curiosity about her ancestry. She always suspected her ancestry was German, but had no idea she was also Greek.

In addition to information about ancestry, genetic testing provides information on genetic diseases. In recent years, genetic testing has become a direct-to-consumer market where individuals can have results sent to them directly.

While you cannot change your genetic code, recent advances in genetic testing have enabled the prediction and prevention of many diseases that may be encoded in DNA. Along with this exciting development come questions concerning the ownership of the data collected in genetic tests. Although the Genetic Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 prohibits insurance companies and employers from genetic discrimination, databases of genetic test results are being compiled as a result of the new direct-to-consumer market. This week, you take a closer look at the research and views related to this subject.

In the Seward (2018) article, “Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Finding a Clear Path Forward,” review Table 1 to view the DTC Genetic Testing Access by State. Find your state to determine if you would have access.

Do you think individuals should be allowed to have access to direct-to-consumer genetic testing? What are some of the benefits of this? On the other hand, what are some of the concerns?