Opinion: I’m adopted. I still won’t use genetic testing services like 23andMe
A company like 23andMe can answer a lot of questions for an adoptee. But those answers come with a high cost to privacy.
As an adoptee who was placed in foster care at 18 months old, I’ve never known my full racial heritage, family tree, or medical history. People have often suggested I try 23andMe or a similar company to get more information on my genetics. But I’ve always felt uneasy about it.
So, I felt a little vindicated when I saw the news that Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire 23andMe, including its troves of customer data, for $256 million. The acquisition raises pressing questions about genetic data privacy, consent, and the commercialization of personal health information. Despite assurances from Regeneron to uphold existing privacy standards, 27 states and the District of Columbia are suing over the transfer of such sensitive data without customer consent. This episode underscores the need for more robust regulatory frameworks.
