[Ger-Poland-Volhynia] On DNA testing

[MIKE MCHENRY]

The USA passed the Genetic Information Non Discrimination Act last year
http://www.genome.gov/24519851 

 
MIKE



-----Original Message-----
From: ger-poland-volhynia-bounces at eclipse.sggee.org
[mailto:ger-poland-volhynia-bounces at eclipse.sggee.org] On Behalf Of
Earl.Schultz
Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 2:04 PM
To: ger-poland-volhynia at eclipse.sggee.org
Subject: Re: [Ger-Poland-Volhynia] On DNA testing

 I think Otto's comments are useful to address this common and unfounded
fear that one's DNA will be used for some ulterior motive.  In fact, the
y-DNA does not contain any personal characteristics of an individual, just
the DNA that determines the male gender.  I think it is similar for mtDNA.
This cannot be used to tell if I am at a higher risk of getting cancer, for
example.  Otto's very deep test may provide that sort of information but not
the standard y-DNA test that many of us get.  Even in Otto's case, if an
organization were to try to profit from the DNA information they have they
likely wouldn't stay in business very long since this would be an illegal
practice, not that it can't happen.  It is not likely.

Further, I am aware that in Canada and I believe in the USA as well, it is
illegal for organizations to use DNA results to disadvantage certain
individuals or groups so insurance companies cannot do, legally, what Jutta
is suggesting.  If they wanted to they would have to have far more than
y-DNA tests.

If you wish to learn more about yourself and to aid your genealogy research,
albeit in a very small way, then the few hundred dollars for the test is
well worthwhile.  For those of us who have had it done, I think I can safely
say that we do not fear our DNA being used against us.  If my insurance
company wanted to do that, they have only to search my garbage for tossed
kleenex, hair, drinking bottles and cups.  We leave behind our DNA wherever
we go and I'm still waiting for someone to clone me.

Earl
 
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Message: 6
Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 10:37:12 -0400
From: Otto <otto at schienke.com>
Subject: [Ger-Poland-Volhynia] On DNA testing
To: GPV List <ger-poland-volhynia at eclipse.sggee.org>
Cc: Jutta Dennerlein <Jutta.Dennerlein at t-online.de>
Message-ID: <02832818-BDF0-4B4C-8101-E2B5C3E27AE9 at schienke.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset=US-ASCII;	format=flowed;
delsp=yes

Good morning All,
i've been following the thread on DNA testing since it was introduced  
about a week ago and detect a common fear and suspicion of a subject  
not understood.  I liken it to fear of vulnerability some have of  
undressing in the doctor's office. . . I say better there than with  
undertaker's hands.

Legally, you own your DNA (code) the same as you own your body and  
your life. That has always been an issue of international law, who  
owns the body? You? or the State? In my country I own my body and have  
laws to support my stand on the issue.

-snip-

A haplogroup number is not the actual DNA code generating it.  (one  
must choose to release the code generating the numbers)
I feel knowing "where to look" gives me a leg up on the challenge.
I own my DNA information and choose how much and to whom I release it.  
Like money, one does not indiscriminately leave it laying around in  
public places.

As one SGGEE researcher recently stated to me, "Very very cool!!!! You  
knocked out years of research for me in one fell swoop. Chances are  
we're related." (probably are, based on indicated location, stature,  
and facial structure) My own reply to the testing was the same.


. . .   Otto
          " The Zen moment..." wk. of January 04, 2009-
               ________________________________
                 "The future. . . . always catches up."



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