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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: Zaphod99 on Sunday 10 April 22 17:34 BST (UK)
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It's not really a technical DNA question, rather one of morals, so I put it it here.
I 'look out for' a very old aunt who is obsessed with being covid tested. I'd love her to do a DNA test, but she doesn't actually approve. What if I was a bit tricky? She wouldn't know if I swabbed her with a covid one or a DNA cheek(y) one. I can see two points of view.
Zaph
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Totally unethical in my opinion......... I would be more than livid if ANYONE tried that one on me especially if I had already said no/didn't approve
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I completely agree with iluleah.
Presumably the same person you posted about here :-\
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=835210.0
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Might also be illegal to obtain someone's DNA without their consent, against their express wishes and by deception.
Actually in the U.K. it would be illegal, and with good reason.
https://easydna.co.uk/knowledge-base/human-tissues-act-paternity-testing/#:~:text=Why%20is%20important%20the%20Human,will%20be%20breaking%20the%20law.
If you take a sample of DNA from another person without given consent, even the smallest DNA sample, would be considered a breach of the law.
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Presumably the same person you posted about here :-\
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=835210.0
Well, it just gets worse doesn't it :-\
I can't understand how it goes from 'help an elderly relative with the post that she receives' to finding an old letter 'dated 1967.'
Now you are thinking about getting a relative's DNA (doesn't matter if this is the same elderly relation as in other thread). ::)
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Very unethical. A liberty is being taken by you if you try and get someone's DNA without their consent, on top of wanting to pilfer a letter from maybe the same relative from 55 years ago.
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Wow .... you are attempting to control another person's free will.
DO NOT CHEAT.
Pause and step away from your family history efforts for say six months, go learn a new pasttime.
YOU DO NOT HAVE EXPRESS AUTHORITY TO TAKE DNA SAMPLE, so do NOT even let the thought linger in your mind.
JM.
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I agree with the others and think it's totally unethical.
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I totally think unethical, what are you thinking? It is hers, not yours! If she is not a willing participant leave it.
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No it's not the same person. On ethics, I can't believe people who, look back at earlier comments.
It won't harm my aunt, and our descendants would benefit. And it's only her old ideas that put her off. You've given me thoughts though. I can't believe so many (%) are against it. I wonder how many have had my idea, world wide. Many people try to get round the rules, in countries like France where DNA testing isn't allowed. Nobody gives that a second thought.
Zaph
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I think it is not only unethical but illegal as well, it is certainly against the rules of all the main family history sites to use a person's DNA without their consent. I believe that even law enforcement agencies have to be given permission to use Ancestry and that does not include the UK.
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I am in New South Wales, Australia.
May I ask you to please explain why
a) you seem to think it is wrong for anyone to look back at earlier comments
and
b) why people would try to get around the rules re DNA testing .... France etc.
Many thanks,
JM
No it's not the same person. On ethics, I can't believe people who, look back at earlier comments.
It won't harm my aunt, and our descendants would benefit. And it's only her old ideas that put her off. You've given me thoughts though. I can't believe so many (%) are against it. I wonder how many have had my idea, world wide. Many people try to get round the rules, in countries like France where DNA testing isn't allowed. Nobody gives that a second thought.
Zaph
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It is not about harming your aunt, but the unethical approach to obtaining her DNA. It is wrong on lots of levels, I am shocked you would consider an underhand level without her consent.
Bodily autonomy is hers, you have no right to take that away. Just because you want maybe some info on family history from her. Please get a grip. She chooses no, so no it is.
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Don't do it. It's just wrong. Engage her in conversation about her childhood memories, instead.
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I agree with Erato. Also with Crumblie and Cas(stallc).
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I have read both threads and am almost lost for words. Totally unethical.
Her ‘old ideas’ , I’m shaking my head at that statement, you speak as though because she’s getting on in years her thoughts and beliefs are meaningless . Put yourself in her place, I hope for your sake that when you reach a certain age that your family give more consideration to your wishes and feelings.
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I have read both threads and am almost lost for words. Totally unethical.
Her ‘old ideas’ , I’m shaking my head at that statement, you speak as though because she’s getting on in years her thoughts and beliefs are meaningless . Put yourself in her place, I hope for your sake that when you reach a certain age that your family give more consideration to your wishes and feelings.
I agree, glad this person is not one of mine. Feel sorry for her. Not a beloved aunt but a
potential link to the past via DNA. Why would they treat her wishes so?
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not only unethical, but in the UK this could be considered abusive, as its not treating her with dignity, and if she does not have capacity to make such a decision, an abuse of power.
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I have read both threads and am almost lost for words. Totally unethical.
Her ‘old ideas’ , I’m shaking my head at that statement, you speak as though because she’s getting on in years her thoughts and beliefs are meaningless . Put yourself in her place, I hope for your sake that when you reach a certain age that your family give more consideration to your wishes and feelings.
I agree, glad this person is not one of mine. Feel sorry for her. Not a beloved aunt but a just a potential link to the past via DNA. Why would they treat her wishes so?
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I’m still asking myself that question. Beggars belief :o
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I think the poster knows the answer, hopefully they will leave aunt alone in quest for DNA, but as mentioned if they do then that is abuse of power over elderly aunt she has no control over. No excuse!
You need to live with that if you are caring!
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On ethics, I can't believe people who, look back at earlier comments.
But then we'd miss your previous comments, which also lack self-awareness:
1. "My slave owning ancestor was much kinder...the slaves used to get full board".
2. "A second cousin has taken up with a very nice Singaporean girl who is dark skinned".
3. "Half the people in the group were foreign, 4 recent immigrants".
4. "I really do think the precautions have caused more problems to the general population that the actual virus".
I do sense a pattern here. And no, I didn't go look for these previous comments of yours. I just remembered how cringe-worthy they were at the time you posted them.