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The Pros And Cons Of Dna Testing And Databanks

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The Pros And Cons Of Dna Testing And Databanks
How would you feel if you found out it was possible to store your DNA in a database? Not only that, how would you feel if you found out that your DNA was in the wrong hands? The boundary between violations of individual privacy can be quite difficult to identify due to a variety of reasons. DNA is the hereditary material that is the fundamental building block for an individual’s entire genetic makeup; it can be used in order to determine a wide range of information about an individual (Wall, 2005). DNA test banks are the storing of DNA information for many different purposes. The motive, as well as the range of DNA stored, depends on the type of database being implemented as there are three different types: national DNA databases for matching …show more content…
While the advantages of DNA testing can seem appealing, DNA test banks are fallible in criminal analysis, a threat to security and equality, and an infringement on the inalienable rights of a citizen. This essay will explore the problems facing DNA testing/databanks, their causes and how a solution might be implemented.
This issue was problematic from its inception. The first national DNA database came into play on April 10th, 1995. At the time, Home Secretary Michael Howard regarded this as the biggest breakthrough in the battle against crime. At the same time, it was seen as an infringement upon the rights of the common person. Howard still believed that this would be extremely beneficial to everyone, regardless of whose DNA was taken (Camp et al., 2007). As soon as it was introduced, many questioned the safety of such technology. Is it more beneficial in solving crimes, or is it more harmful to the privacy of people? Over time, certain laws have only made problems even worse. DNA databanks, when first introduced, were used solely for crime-fighting (Wall, 2005). DNA databanks made their first impact in 1997 when legislation made it legal for prisoners to be DNA tested. Around
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