I have heard many things about genetic testing over the years and it has always intrigued me, but for two reasons. I have always wanted to know my families heritage (even though I know it will be only be around three different ways to say Western European), and I have heard many different people with negative feedback about your DNA’s privacy in said programs. These tests have become popular due to practical information and the ability to find out the genetic implications of disease predisposition, what their offspring will inherit, and their own medicinal interactions. With the fun of looking up your families geographical history, you can also plan ahead for your own family. Most companies require a DNA sample obtained through a swab of your mouth or saliva in a vile. With these kinds of samples I believe certain results can be studied to accurately describe your current genome and make educated inferences about your previous heritage. But, my views on the accuracy of predicting your past from your current genome places too much trust that previous knowledge about linked inheritance is correct.
Knowing the truth about my genes could lead me to live in a altered way such as avoiding possible environmental triggers that could activate risk genes. There is a lot we don’t know about my families genetic history. I don’t believe that I would live any differently if I knew I had a fatal gene, because I have always known there are risks we do not know about. The controversy comes back into question when you consider the implications of signing away your DNA. I believe that there is a greater good to having a mass data base of genetic information, but there must be complete anonymity. Your health insurance should not know this information and should have no way of accessing it.
Medical care should be personalized to the level and privacy of the individual. There should never be mandatory sampling or testing. Maintaining the health of the individual includes treating them with respect as a person.
23andMe. (n.d.). DNA Genetic Testing & Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.23andme.com/?new=true
Crowdsourcing Cures on your terms. ( 2020, Feb 29). Retrieved from https://genos.co/
Kaur, J., Rahat, B., Thakur, S., & Kaur, J. (2017, January 6). Trends in Precision Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128094112000155
Whole Genome Sequencing Company. (2020, Feb 29). Retrieved from https://www.veritasgenetics.com/