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

Posted by Soulskill on from the possibly-used-to-clone-army-of-stormtroopers dept.

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."

5 of 187 comments (clear)

  1. What's the complaint? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Standard herd-management practice; stop disrespecting your owners.

    1. Re:What's the complaint? by stephanruby · · Score: 5, Insightful

      In my 30's? Check.
      Born in Cali? Check.
      Born at home? Check! I escaped this one thanks to the awful experience my parents had at the hospital with my brother.

      You didn't escape anything.

      If they have your brother's dna on file, then they're just one brother away from identifying your dna.

  2. Sue - Sue - Sue! by Mitreya · · Score: 4, Insightful
    I don't think this

    Law enforcement can request them. Private companies can buy them to do research - without your consent.

    neccesarily means that

    The state owns your DNA.

    Surely it should be possible to establish that individuals own their DNA, particularly from the perspective of private companies that may want to buy them from the state. Lawsuit time?

  3. and you don't own any discoveries . . . by swell · · Score: 4, Insightful

    No doubt they can patent anything interesting that they find in your blood.
    You won't be the first whose DNA made millions for other people.

    --
    ...omphaloskepsis often...
  4. DNA is part of my person isn't it? by Shadow+of+Eternity · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I do believe I have a right to be secure in my person, papers, etc against an unreasonable search or siezure...

    --
    A bullet may have your name on it but splash damage is addressed "To whom it may concern."