I’ve been asked on numerous occasions about DNA testing and whether it would be worth buying one of the kits that are so readily advertised on several genealogy websites. Now I would advise from here that a rant could be coming as I personally feel these kits should come with a warning. They are not the sort of thing that should be advertised as potential gifts for either Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day etc.
I have read one too many stories where people have bought these kits and suddenly their whole world has been turned upside down. Examples include finding out you’re adopted, a not parent expected or an unexpected half sibling could appear. It can be hard putting the genie back in the bottle once you’ve let it out! How could you even begin to process such a discovery?
As I’ve said to people if they do want to go down the route of DNA testing then that’s up to them as long as they are prepared for any potential consequences which might arise. DNA kits are not toys to be played with!
Personally, yes I have taken a DNA with the full knowledge of the consequences and, even though I never had any doubt, it is a little nice having the science stating that my parents are indeed mine.
DNA testing can be another useful tool alongside the paper trail and it does have potential within the field of genealogy research. However it is something that should be treated with a certain degree of caution!
