[Alokin]

I received a letter in the mail yesterday inviting me to participate in a gene research project.

I have mixed feelings about this, most of them probably sound very paranoid. I think it would be interesting to find out what kind of ailments I am susceptible to.

But the agency that is requesting my genes makes me really nervous. The pamphlet warns that there is a possibility of a security breach, to me this sounds like a disclaimer. Then it proceeds to explain how they keep the information private. Again, this is expecting me to trust them.

Would you willingly give your DNA to a government agency under the guise of medical research?

[Ash89]

Are they reimbursing you? Is it a one time blood sample? I honestly wouldn't mind. I have never done anything wrong so it wouldn't matter to me if they had my DNA on file. Again that's just me though, some people are more private and have their reasons, so my advice would be to follow your instinct. Google it or call them with questions, I'm sure you could dig up more information.

[Jcon614]

Originally Posted by Alokin

I received a letter in the mail yesterday inviting me to participate in a gene research project.

I have mixed feelings about this, most of them probably sound very paranoid. I think it would be interesting to find out what kind of ailments I am susceptible to.

But the agency that is requesting my genes makes me really nervous. The pamphlet warns that there is a possibility of a security breach, to me this sounds like a disclaimer. Then it proceeds to explain how they keep the information private. Again, this is expecting me to trust them.

Would you willingly give your DNA to a government agency under the guise of medical research?

No, no,
no! There was a piece about this on the news last week. Not only would I not trust my DNA with any agency, but I'm not sure how comfortable I would be accepting their conclusions.

[Ash89]

Originally Posted by Jcon614

No, no,
no! There was a piece about this on the news last week. Not only would I not trust my DNA with any agency, but I'm not sure how comfortable I would be accepting their conclusions.

Something on the news? I'm interested in reading that. Could you link me to an article or tell me what to search for?

[Alokin]

Originally Posted by Ash89

Are they reimbursing you? Is it a one time blood sample? I honestly wouldn't mind. I have never done anything wrong so it wouldn't matter to me if they had my DNA on file. Again that's just me though, some people are more private and have their reasons, so my advice would be to follow your instinct. Google it or call them with questions, I'm sure you could dig up more information.

No reimbursement or compensation, I would have to drive about 2 hours to give my sample, so I would have to take a day off from work. That is hardly the point though.

I haven't done anything wrong either. This is soooooooooooo not the point.

If we allow ourselves to be cataloged (by the government no less) how can we control it? We can't. How do I know what else is being done with MY DNA?

For example what if they sell or give this information to insurance companies? I know under this Obamacare law you are not supposed to be turned down for pre-existing conditions, you are going to pay $$$$$$$$ (I don't know if you realize that).

This leads us to a new problem. Susceptibility to conditions. They can charge you more (or less) based on your DNA for health insurance. Even if you have not developed an illness, but because you have a higher percentage of getting said illness. It can be decided who has enough money to be treated. Insurance companies WILL make their money.

So you have done nothing wrong? At what point to we stop using this logic to protect ourselves? Every time we give out our information or allow our rights to be infringed on does not necessarly cause anything to happen at that point to YOU, but later down the line every inch we give they will take a foot, this can be affecting progeny (actually it WILL). I really do not want our rights to slowly and almost unbeknownst to us, to dissipate until there is nothing left......

There are a plethora of other things that COULD happen, it makes my head spin to even try to type them all out!

[Ash89]

Originally Posted by Alokin

No reimbursement or compensation, I would have to drive about 2 hours to give my sample, so I would have to take a day off from work. That is hardly the point though.

I haven't done anything wrong either. This is soooooooooooo not the point.

If we allow ourselves to be cataloged (by the government no less) how can we control it? We can't. How do I know what else is being done with MY DNA?

For example what if they sell or give this information to insurance companies? I know under this Obamacare law you are not supposed to be turned down for pre-existing conditions, you are going to pay $$$$$$$$ (I don't know if you realize that).

This leads us to a new problem. Susceptibility to conditions. They can charge you more (or less) based on your DNA for health insurance. Even if you have not developed an illness, but because you have a higher percentage of getting said illness. It can be decided who has enough money to be treated. Insurance companies WILL make their money.

So you have done nothing wrong? At what point to we stop using this logic to protect ourselves? Every time we give out our information or allow our rights to be infringed on does not necessarly cause anything to happen at that point to YOU, but later down the line every inch we give they will take a foot, this can be affecting progeny (actually it WILL). I really do not want our rights to slowly and almost unbeknownst to us, to dissipate until there is nothing left......

There are a plethora of other things that COULD happen, it makes my head spin to even try to type them all out!

Honestly the healthcare/insurance component never crossed my mind. I suppose that's what was meant by the privacy statement. Honestly though if my blood was going to genetic research which could potentially help solve a scientific mystery, I would do it. I'm all for genetic research, I feel someday it could help treat things like mental illness.

Really though didn't think of insurance. I suppose I'm a little too willing to give myself away to what is perceive to be a good cause.

[Jcon614]

Originally Posted by Ash89

Something on the news? I'm interested in reading that. Could you link me to an article or tell me what to search for?

It was on CBS news in the morning segment when they have doctors on, specifically, Dr John Lapook, and this woman doctor that I can't at the moment remember her name.... Wait , Holly Phillips, is I think her name. But it was on CBS news.

I would not consent to any of this stuff.

[Alokin]

They can use someone elses DNA, I would rather keep the little privacy that I still have.

The only time I've given my DNA was when I was tested to be a bone marrow donor for my sister; they also did further analysis to test for familial genetic problems which did show up as positive. I would only do this for very specific reasons that I initiated or were initiated by my own physician, and only at very well-known, reputable institutions. I would also expect a contract outlining exactly what my genetic information was being used for and what conditions were placed on that information. When I was tested, everything was carefully outlined for me and explained.

I'm wondering where they got your name and/or why you were asked. Sounds very random which would make me very wary.

[token451]

I don't think I would like the idea of having my DNA out and about. I'm not usually paranoid about things but the thought of that gives me the willies.

[Alokin]

Originally Posted by 1914sierra

The only time I've given my DNA was when I was tested to be a bone marrow donor for my sister; they also did further analysis to test for familial genetic problems which did show up as positive. I would only do this for very specific reasons that I initiated or were initiated by my own physician, and only at very well-known, reputable institutions. I would also expect a contract outlining exactly what my genetic information was being used for and what conditions were placed on that information. When I was tested, everything was carefully outlined for me and explained.

I'm wondering where they got your name and/or why you were asked. Sounds very random which would make me very wary.

I would do in in situations like that, but I would be VERY wary.

It is not random, I am a vet and it is for the VA. Which equals the government. Currently, I do not have a lot of trust in the government.