DNA KITS
DNA Kits And Your
Right To Privacy And
Access To Insurance
T this new genetic information? There is
a strong sense of social responsibility
that underlies insurance whereby its
institution should primarily be focused
on the welfare of people who experience
misfortune.
But how are individuals and their
family members and the Canadian
Insurance Industry (CII) affected by
this new genetic testing information?
More importantly, how is the CII using PRIVACY
Many Canadians remain unaware of the
privacy implications that may be derived
from test results. DNA provides not
only insight into an individual’s medical
and life prospects but also that of their
close family relatives. Usually, consent is
given by individuals undergoing genetic
testing. However, family members of
those who have undergone testing do not
have this same luxury and unknowingly
he 21st century has
experienced many scientific
breakthroughs, but one of the
most significant has been the
cracking of the human genetic
code. DNA tests appear to be all the rage,
with advertisements for $99 DNA kits from
Internet-based providers such as 23andMe.
com, AncestryDNA.ca, and Navigenics to
shows like TLC’s Long Lost Family where
adopted individuals find their biological
parents via genetic testing.
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can have their DNA accessed online.
Many genetic test providers offer a way
of connecting unknown relatives while
ignoring their right to anonymity, thus
infringing on their right to privacy.
An example of this was seen recently
in the United States where DNA sites
were used to track down and arrest
Joseph James DeAngelo. Mr. DeAngelo
is a serial killer from the 70s and 80s.
Police tracked his DNA to a fifth cousin,
and through the process of elimination,
found him in a local suburb. Internet-
based providers such as 23andMe
provide warnings prior to undergoing
testing and generally resist police
inquiries, unless they have a court order.