DNA Testing – and its Place in People Searches

Welcome back to the latest issue of the ‘UK People Search News’.

The subject of DNA testing is an emotionally charged area and today I am going to take a look at genetic testing its uses in family research and its moral and legal implications.

DNA testing is often used to prove or confirm a family relationship. Most usually this is to prove paternity. Its use is sometimes for legal reasons with regards to Child Support and inheritance issues.

Taking a test is not a step to take lightly and I recommend that all parties take advice or seek counselling around the issues that might be raised as a consequence.

The test itself is easy and painless. A swab is taken from inside the cheek and sent off for analysis. Kits can even be ordered off the Internet, though I suggest that you choose your company carefully before ordering anything.

Thought needs to be given to the possible outcomes of the tests. How will you feel if no relationship is proved?

Tests must be carried out with the full consent of all parties. The law is very clear that a person’s DNA is their own and to steal some is a very serious offence.

DNA tests can also be used to establish a broader kind of genetic background. The results can indicate the mixtures of race and tribal roots that are in our makeup. An example of its use is among African Americans who would like to know where their forbears came from in Africa before they were taken as slaves.

It often seems to be the case that advances in science allure us with new possibilities, but these clever new tools also bring new dangers and responsibilities in their wake.

To learn more about DNA testing and the laws about its use take a look at Court Directed Paternity Testing at http://www.dca.gov.uk/family/paternity.htm . From a more genealogical point of view see Extreme Genealogy at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4559253.stm

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I hope that this information is useful and that it helps you to find the person you are looking for.

I run a people finding service called Blood-Ties Tracing Service, which you can find at http://www.blood-ties.com/. I should be happy to help you in your searches.

Archives of these e-letters can be found on the ‘UK People Search News’ at http://uk-people-search.blogspot.com/ Please feel free to re-publish this article so long as it remains unaltered and this resource box is included.

The views expressed in my articles are mine alone and while they are effective methods used in my own business I cannot guarantee the results that you will achieve. While these articles are written with every care, I am not a lawyer and you should consider the legality and morality of any steps you take to trace people. Please remember that your investigation could cause distress to others so tread gently and make sure your contact is welcome to them.

Until next week -

Best regards,
Giles
info@blood-ties.com

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