Description

GENE201 Module 8 M8D1: Protecting Privacy Discussion Activity

Now that you have read about some of the ethical issues that can arise from DNA testing, and how genetic genealogists are trying to educate consumers about these issues, you will complete two activities to evaluate your understanding of these concepts.

The following discussion activity will provide you with the opportunity to apply what you have learned about educating consumers to a fictional situation. Read the following scenario and, based on your understanding of ethnicity estimates, answer the discussion prompt below:

The governor of the hypothetical State of Newlandia has been handed legislation to sign that could impact genetic genealogy testing. The legislation would make it a misdemeanor to reveal any information about an adoptee’s biological family within the first 75 years after the adoption, unless the biological family has provided oral or written consent.

Before signing the bill, the governor learns that genetic genealogy testing within her state is being used to circumvent standard procedures and can reveal information about an adoptee’s biological family—including the identity of the biological parents—even if the biological parents do not consent or test themselves. Signing the bill will mean prohibiting genetic genealogy testing within the State of Newlandia.

Discussion Prompt: The governor has asked for feedback from her constituents, and as a citizen of Newlandia, you decide to respond to her call. Choose a side for or against this legislation, and provide feedback to the governor supporting or rejecting the bill. In your responses to classmates’ posts, explain why you agree or disagree with their feedback.