Brianne K. Williams Brianne K. Williams

Research study seeking multiple family members’ perspectives on the impact of unexpected Direct-To-Consumer paternal DNA discovery

Researchers at University of Southern California’s School of Social Work) are enrolling multiple individuals in a family impacted by direct-to-consumer (DTC) DNA testing unexpected DNA paternity results. Researchers request the person most closely impacted by a DNA discovery (the parent or adult child) be the first to reach out to the research team with interest.

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How birth certificates and DNA testing help adoptees on a bio family search

Adopted and interested in starting a search? We’ve gathered more detailed information for you here and identified places to go for more. Two paths—the DNA-first route and the records-first route—are the main paths adoptees use today to begin a search for biological relatives.

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Stigma, health, DNA, and adoptee rights: a discussion with Gabrielle Glaser about the changing landscape in America

On today's episode, Glaser talks with DNA Clarity and Support host Brianne Kirkpatrick about the history of coerced adoption in the United States and the influence of culture and stigma on women who in other circumstances might have chosen to parent rather than surrender their to the adoption system.

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DNA Discovery, Adoptees, ROH Brianne K. Williams DNA Discovery, Adoptees, ROH Brianne K. Williams

“I have uncovered skeletons in every family tree I have worked on.”

John’s story starts with a personal medical crisis leading to a decision to search for information about his biological parentage. It ends with him embracing the truth of his biological origins, a situation that many others in the same shoes have struggled to accept because of society’s stigma around conceptions between parents who are related to each other.

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Adoption, Family Search, DNA Test Brianne K. Williams Adoption, Family Search, DNA Test Brianne K. Williams

Getting Started on a Search for Birth Family if You’re Adopted

Have you heard the “Searching for Relatives with DNA” podcast episode? Catch this interview by Simon Benn, available for listening now. Simon shares the backstory to his decision to search and the moment he knew it was time. Our discussion is geared towards supporting people early in the search process but will help anyone along the way, whether the searching person or the family who has been sought.

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DNA Podcast, DNA Discovery, DNA Secret, NPE, Adoption Brianne K. Williams DNA Podcast, DNA Discovery, DNA Secret, NPE, Adoption Brianne K. Williams

DNA Clarity and Support Podcast With First Guest, The Mindful NPE

Podcast Ep: 1 Unexpected DNA discoveries made from mail-in test kits change lives and redefine the meaning of family. Join genetic counselor and founder of Watershed DNA Brianne Kirkpatrick as she chats with authors and leaders in the DNA world on the new podcast DNA Clarity and Support.

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Genetic Sexual Attraction - A Couple’s Story as a Result of a 23andMe Test Discovery

A story was posted on Reddit by someone claiming to have discovered he and his girlfriend are half-siblings, the discovery coming after both opted in to the DNA Relatives feature for their 23andMe test.

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DNA Testing: Ten Tips for Adoptive Parents

I’ve compiled ten tips for adoptive parents based on common questions and issues. The focus is on parents of children under the age of 18, but these points can apply to other families as well, including those who utilized egg, sperm, or embryo donation in building their family.

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