Identification of the Unknown Soldier and the Fight for the Right to Anonymity: The Human Genome Project and Implications of a National DNA Database

• Main Author: Erbes, Kelly S.
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: EngagedScholarship@CSU 1999
• Subjects: Human Genome Project; DNA; Criminals; non-criminals; genetic predisposition; genetic discrimination; Americans with Disabilities Act; privacy interests; property rights; National DNA database; Iceland; United States; Constitutional Law; Criminal Law; Other Law
• Online Access: https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/clevstlrev/vol47/iss3/8; https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1492&context=clevstlrev

The focus of this writing is the use of DNA for identification purposes and the issues that arise when genetic traits and/or predisposition to physical or mental conditions are linked to the individual specifically, along with the implications of a national DNA database as a system of identification. It has become the general rule that it is not an unreasonable invasion of privacy to take DNA for the purpose of identifying criminal offenders through a DNA database. This writing will examine the potential for nonconsensual inclusion of nearly everyone into such a system, as well as the ramifications in the areas of employment and individual insurance coverage if access to genetic information is not controlled. Current legislative efforts will be explored in an attempt to advocate the best direction for future legislation of information that is too vitally useful to prohibit, yet too indiscriminately dangerous to leave vulnerable to all who may find it useful.