It’s estimated that millions of Americans have learned through home genetic tests that they’re not actually biologically related to a parent. 

Most aren’t prepared for this surprise. And many aren’t briefed with informed consent before getting the news. 

Betty Cohn has a Ph.D. in Public Health Genetics from the University of Washington. For her dissertation, she spoke with people who had this experience.

To learn more before doing genetic testing, check out this Genetic Testing Consent Informational Flyer

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Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online or on the KUOW App.

It&rsquo;s estimated that millions of Americans have learned through home genetic tests that they&rsquo;re not actually biologically related to a parent.&nbsp;
Most aren&rsquo;t prepared for this surprise. And many aren&rsquo;t briefed with informed consent before getting the news.&nbsp;
Betty Cohn has a Ph.D. in Public Health Genetics from the University of Washington. For her dissertation, she spoke with people who had this experience.
To learn more before doing genetic testing, check out this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/dnadiagnostic/resources/genetic-testing_-consent.pdf">Genetic Testing Consent Informational Flyer</a>
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow">Tap here</a> to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.&nbsp;
Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or <a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback">leave us feedback online</a> or on <a href="https://meet.kuow.org/question/">the KUOW App.</a>

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

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It’s estimated that millions of Americans have learned through home genetic tests that they’re not actually biologically related to a parent.   Most aren’t prepared for this surprise. And many aren’t briefed with informed consent before getting the news.   Betty Cohn has a Ph.D. in Public Health Genetics from the University of Washington. For her dissertation, she spoke with people who had this experience. 