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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.
New uncle confused by his sister’s reaction to her adult child’s discovery
I recently received an inquiry from the uncle of a newly-discovered adult adoptee who had searched and identified his biological mother via 23andMe. The question was why his sister (the birth mom) had at first been excited that her biological son had been found, but then changed.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Iowa Latest State to Pass Laws Allowing Access of Original Birth Certificates
Iowa joins approximately 30 U.S. states in granting adoptees some type of access to an original birth certificate at age 18.
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.
“Why Won’t My Birth Father’s Wife Accept Me?”
I was adopted as a child and my birth mother never told my father about me—she only knew his first name, so there really wasn’t a way to find him anyhow. I was able to identify him through DNA testing and reached out.
Severance Magazine, the Beagle Has Landed Podcast, and Other Resources on the Topic of DNA Family Surprises
Severance Magazine is a resource for the growing group of individuals who learn they have been separated by biological relatives.
High ROH - A Topic Covered in a Chapter of “The DNA Guide for Adoptees”
ROH is very tricky topic but one we need to get comfortable talking about. It can happen to anyone of any age from any background.
Should People Have at-Home DNA Tests for Medical Purposes?
I’m often asked for my thoughts on whether at-home DNA tests should be used for medical purposes, since they are the only option some people can afford.
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.
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.
MyHeritage blog highlights 5 Tips for an Adoption-Related Search
Here's a guest post I wrote for the MyHeritage blog with my five top tips for an adoption-related search.
Why Do Adoptees Want DNA Testing?
Anna Childers is a genetic counselor who interviewed adult adoptees on their perspectives on DNA testing.