Currently, we have a monumental effort under way by Sue Jeffers to petition the state to;
Oppose illegal State government ownership of the blood, DNA and genetic test results of newborn citizens in Minnesota. http://www.cchconline.org/petition/babyDNA2007.php I
In July 1997, solely by an executive decision of health officials-no law-the MN Department of Health began retaining the DNA-filled blood specimens of all newborn babies. The State now claims ownership rights to the DNA of more than 670,000 children (approx.70,000 births/yr).
In July 1986, MDH began cataloging the genetic test results of all Minnesota children. Approximately 1.4 million children are in the database. Oppose the dissemination of newborn blood and DNA to genetic researchers
Oppose the Minnesota Department of Health’s refusal to fully inform parents
Calls on Governor Tim Pawlenty to direct the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to comply with Minnesota state privacy law, to fully inform parents of the genetic testing process and their legal rights–and to dismantle MDH’s illegal warehouse of newborn citizen DNA. (Contact Sue Jeffers directly at: S1U2E3@aol.com )
I might suggest that each of you check the national website to determine how extensive the DNA testing is in your state, especially if you have children 10 years or younger. What you find may sicken you.
The idea of the state, any state, claiming ownership of the DNA of anyone, most especially newborn babies is so repugnant to me that I cannot find the words to express how offensive this is; what an unconscionable breach of humanity this comprises. This issue is not one of party affiliation or a right vs. left drama being played out. This is the groundwork for future discrimination that will most likely surpass employment and insurance targeting but eventually could be used to decide who lives or dies, or who can reproduce.
There is however a level of humor in all the debating going on……insurance company reps along with those of the business sector assured everyone that these genetic tests will never be used to discriminate in employment or insurance coverage. Now if that didn’t make you laugh, nothing will.
But, all of us need to ask ourselves why this information would be of any use to Homeland Security? What possible reason could they have for cataloging and storing the genetic code of any newborn child?
In the end I find myself wondering where all these big religious fomenters are that railed against gay marriage, stem cell research, the right to choose for women and a host of other issues that would supposedly destroy the traditional American family. Wouldn’t losing ownership of your child’s or your own DNA be far more devastating than these issues? And yet, not one rock star preacher has spoken one word that I can find condemning this practice. Not a peep! It’s probably just a case of a lost message in all the speaking God does to them when he puts a “word of knowledge in their hearts” about the woes of society.
My advice? Find out what is happening in your own state and to what extent your state is testing and participating in this program that is so loaded with secret agendas and obviously in opposition to many state and federal laws. Maybe what is needed is a class action lawsuit brought in each state by parents who were unaware that they or their children no longer own their own DNA.
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