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Fertility care in the era of commercial direct-to-consumer home DNA kits: issues to ponder

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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Recently, we have witnessed a shift in the nature of genetic testing. What was once solely in the hands of the scientific community is now easily accessible to anyone. Commercial companies such as Veritas Genetics, Ancestry, and 23andMe offer cheap direct-to-consumer home DNA kits that are branded as a “health and ancestry service.” These tests are gaining in popularity, and it is estimated that since their marketing, over 30 million people worldwide have provided their DNA samples. The implications of this new genetic era are diverse, ranging from the individuals personal health assessment, to family genealogy and ancestry, and the complexity of establishing an enormous population-based genetic database. Unique implications of commercial DNA tests on fertility patients and heath care providers, such as in the case of gamete donation, are important to acknowledge and have implications for reproductive care.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, H3A 0G4, Canada

    Keren Rotshenker-Olshinka & Michael H. Dahan

  2. MUHC Reproductive Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, H2L 4S8, Canada

    Keren Rotshenker-Olshinka & Michael H. Dahan

Authors
  1. Keren Rotshenker-Olshinka
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  2. Michael H. Dahan
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Correspondence to Michael H. Dahan.

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Rotshenker-Olshinka, K., Dahan, M.H. Fertility care in the era of commercial direct-to-consumer home DNA kits: issues to ponder. J Assist Reprod Genet 37, 689–692 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-020-01711-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-020-01711-y

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