DNA Data From California Newborn Blood Samples Stored, Sold To 3rd Parties (cbslocal.com)

schwit1 writes: "This might come as a surprise to California natives in their 20s and early 30s: The state owns your DNA. Every year about four million newborns in the U.S. get a heel prick at birth, to screen for congenital disorders, that if found early enough, can save their life." However, when those tests are done, the leftover blood isn't simply thrown away. Instead, they're taken to an office building and the DNA data is stored in a database. "It’s a treasure trove of information about you, from the color of your eyes and hair to your pre-disposition to diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer." And that's not the end of it: "The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is not the only agency using the blood spots. Law enforcement can request them. Private companies can buy them to do research – without your consent."

Comments

Re:What's the complaint?

[Anonymous Coward]

No there isn't. It's legitimized by law: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/110/s1858

Re:What's the complaint?

[BitterOak]

Wow....

Is there a way parents can refuse to allow this to their kid?

Yes. Don't have your baby in a hospital.

Re:and you don't own any discoveries . . .

[mspohr]

Henrietta Lacks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

Biotech made millions from her DNA. She got nothing.