The Bill Nobody Noticed: National DNA Databank

Do you think it is the government right to 'own' your genetic identity material from birth?
STORY FOUND HERE

 

I have no difficulty in accepting DNA evidence for the purpose of criminal prosecution to clear or indict an alleged suspect.

Voluntary DNA samples given with the informed consent for study of persons participating in an identity data base is one thing. But legalizing the institution of collecting and identifying DNA for additional collection of data, concerns me that it is a system that could easily be misused or abused. I really don't know and would be interested in hearing what others think, know, or just have an opinion on.

 

They wont tell you this, but there are a number of products which are made from the afterbirth tissues. Stem cells and cord blood may be used. Chances are, unless that 'nurse' was active in the delivery, or introduced to you or identified as a nurse, she was more likely a laboratory technician. Pharmaceutical companies pay for these products. But chances are it was not DNA collecting, unless NC state has already inacted something in its legislature....... or the hospital in which your baby was delivered was afiliated with one of the large universities there or participating in a research program.

 

Stem cells can also be 'harvested' from cord blood.

I agree with you, Allan. I don't understand why the doctor could not have been candid with you: I hate to say this...... but I have a problem with anyone who is unwilling to honestly answer my question when my question is already based upon an observation of fact. Yours was such an observation: You saw them preserve tissue on ice which is not an apparent disposal process and you had questions: Even if their only reason was to draw off the cord blood and blood type your baby, and then dispose of the tissues, the doctor could have been honest and acknowledged what you saw and given you some reason for its purpose. Just because people have professions with license and specialized knowledge doesn't mean they have a right to keep secrets: There is nothing 'proprietary' about medical information or scientific or beneficial purposes...... but there is something very suspicious (if nothing more than elitist) about the attitude that certain information is above the average persons' understanding to admit or disclose.

I have never seen the facts or data on this, but I've heard...... meaning radio or other sources.... which may or may not be credible, that after birth tissues are worth about $30 USD per placenta or more...... which means the hospital or the doctor is getting that amount. In reality, they are set up to handle 'body fluids and tissues' so it is understandable that they do 'the marketing' of such....... and the only choice for them is between that or disposal as tissue waste. It does cross my mind that some parents might question why they weren't recompensed for the tissues, or some might insist that they be informed and sign a release for the tissues to be used as deemed fit. Perhapse the doctor was trying to avoid such issues by totally denying even that which you saw take place. Though it seems like a small thing, no doubt eventually someone would come along and make an issue of the recompense to the mother for the products of child birth, or take some issue with the use of tissues for medical or cosmetic purposes on grounds of 'religious beliefs'. Still, for a doctor to have my trust means I expect candid answers to my questions.