Monday, January 7, 2019

Should you send your kid’s DNA to 23andMe?

The popularity surrounding DIY genetic testing kits has been rising, but so have the concerns about their safety and legitimacy. The problem is, these DNA testing kits performed at home do not have the same health privacy laws as genetic testing that is performed in a certified medical facility. Not only that, but the HIPPA laws that protect you and your child’s health information when visiting profession practitioners do not apply when using an at-home DNA kit.

Key Takeaways:

  • The cartoons 23andMe creates to encourage using its DNA kit for testing are cute and they make DNA testing look like fun.
  • Parents are being won over and they are buying their children DNA testing kits but experts say parents should be careful before making this decision.
  • Some experts say that the autonomy of the child is at question when parents decide to test their children’s DNA without their consent.

“The commercial seems to be aimed at parents and their children. It’s not the first time 23andMe has used popular cartoon characters to market its tests.”

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2018/12/19/should-you-send-your-kids-dna-andme/?noredirect=on

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