This is largely unchartered legal territory, but the rights to your DNA test results partially depends upon the releases that you have electronically “signed” with DNA test providers. If you have elected to keep your DNA test results private, then how does a family member gain access to your results after you die?
When you receive your FamilyTreeDNA test results, you are asked to name a Beneficiary to these results which allows you to record the person’s name, their e-mail address, and telephone number. But, FamilyTreeDNA also provides their members with a Beneficiary document which provides your designated family member with the legal right to “do all lawful acts which may continue my involvement with FamilyTreeDNA.com.” This document can be signed and witnessed by a notary, filed with your Will or Trust and provided to the company along with a certified copy of your death certificate. The document also includes your DNA kit test number.
But how do other services such as Ancestry.com provide for sharing your DNA test results after death? Good question! While Ancestry.com has no beneficiary designation currently provided with their service, users may be able to develop a beneficiary statement similar to FamilyTreeDNA.com with their username and DNA activation number as a proactive step towards preserving your family records until such time as Ancestry.com directly addresses this issue.
The GNIA, or Genetic Nondiscrimination Information Act, is a federal law which took effect in 2008 and which provides overarching guidance concerning sharing DNA data and limits the use of test results for employment and health insurance.
Also see: The Government Owns Your DNA. What are they doing with it?
But how do other services such as Ancestry.com provide for sharing your DNA test results after death? Good question! While Ancestry.com has no beneficiary designation currently provided with their service, users may be able to develop a beneficiary statement similar to FamilyTreeDNA.com with their username and DNA activation number as a proactive step towards preserving your family records until such time as Ancestry.com directly addresses this issue.
The GNIA, or Genetic Nondiscrimination Information Act, is a federal law which took effect in 2008 and which provides overarching guidance concerning sharing DNA data and limits the use of test results for employment and health insurance.
Also see: The Government Owns Your DNA. What are they doing with it?
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