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What Are Some Problems With DNA Fingerprinting?

DNA fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling, is the analysis of the attributes of your DNA that make you unique. DNA fingerprinting plays a role in paternity or maternity testing, forensics and identifications. DNA is unique to each person and found in every cell, tissue and organ in your body. Since no one can alter DNA, it makes a reliable way to confirm identity. Your DNA fingerprint shares parts with the DNA of your family. This link makes DNA fingerprinting very useful in determining family relations. However, DNA fingerprinting is not without its limitations or concerns.

  1. Not Infallible

    • Scientists consider DNA fingerprinting very accurate when done correctly. However, since humans play a significant part in the fingerprinting process, errors can occur in labs or at crime scenes. Cross contamination of a sample would give an inaccurate DNA fingerprint. DNA fingerprinting establishes only a statistical probability that samples match. DNA fingerprinting does not offer certainties, but comparing larger numbers of samples lower the possibility of mistakes.

    Intrusive

    • Your DNA is very personal, perhaps more personal than any other type of identification.Your DNA can tell others every medical condition you have or could develop. If others gain access to this information, it would constitute an invasion of your privacy. Computers often store DNA fingerprinting results, which always raise concerns about privacy of personal information. If hackers gained access to a database storing DNA fingerprints, they would have access to extremely personal information.

    Discrimination

    • Due to the personal nature of the information provided by DNA fingerprinting, undue discrimination could result from misuse of this information. Your DNA serves as a blueprint for your medical history and your potential for future conditions. Misuse of this information could include discrimination by insurance companies (who might refuse coverage) or employers (who might refuse to hire employees with undesirable DNA).

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