Prof. Wolf Quoted in Scientific American on Consent Issues Surrounding Genetic Testing for Immigrant Identification

Professor Susan Wolf was quoted in the Scientific American about consent issues connected to the use of genetic testing to reunite separated immigrant families. Wolf emphasized that a choice to get a genetic test isn't freely made in such circumstances because the parent is under pressure to submit in order to be reunited with his/her child. “What you really want is alternatives. You want the federal government to step up to the plate and say, ‘Yes, we do have [another] way of finding your child,’” said Wolf. Wolf also added concerns that using genetic tests suggests that “family” is defined solely as a close biological relationship, when in fact many families are more complicated. “Genetics may have a limited role to play [in reuniting families],” said Wolf, “but it’s never going to be the be-all and end-all."