23andme.com is a service that allows for individuals to receive their own genetic profile.  There has been legal issues surrounding the sale of some of its kits -- notably FDA concerns surrounding the medical advice that emerges from such test ( see Reuters ).  One individual documented his story about how his gift of 23andme genetic testing kits to his parents led to him discovering a half-brother no one knew about and, ultimately, the dissolution of his family.   Its a fascinating issue because it involves, on the one hand, a host of privacy concerns surrounding adoption, health and the like, and on the other, one's right to learn about their own body.   The family search opt-in service that they offer, though opt-in, may yet run afoul of state or federal regulations and legislation.  It will be interesting to see how these sorts of issues around commercially available genetic testing develop.  Read the full article here.

 

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