Genetic testing, often marketed as harmless fun, can unleash devastating revelations that shatter families and leave users emotionally scarred, experts warn. The UK's Human Fertility and Embryology Authority is now calling for DNA testing companies to warn customers about potential psychological fallout after a surge in cases where tests reveal unknown relatives or paternity secrets.
In one case, a woman identified only as Michèle took an AncestryDNA test in 2016 expecting to confirm distant Native American heritage. Instead, the results showed her father was not her biological parent, triggering an anxiety attack and a frantic search for truth that led her to discover her mother's prom date was likely her real father. 'I stood up, my laptop went to the floor, I dropped my phone and I ran to the bathroom and started vomiting,' she recalled.
DNA testing companies like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and FamilyTreeDNA have seen explosive growth, with AncestryDNA alone testing over 10 million people across 30 countries. While many users seek ethnic origins or health insights, the 'DNA-matching' feature can inadvertently expose long-hidden family secrets, including previously unknown siblings, cousins, or that the man a person calls dad is not their biological father.
Michèle's experience is not unique. Her test incorrectly showed her as half Italian, which led her to first cousins in Syracuse with a surname she did not recognise. Her mother, initially denying any Italian ancestry, later furiously rejected the idea that her prom date was Michèle's father, leaving the family in turmoil. The trauma from such discoveries can last for years, experts say.
Despite the risks, many consumers approach DNA tests casually, without preparation for life-altering outcomes. The technology, once reserved for medical and forensic use, is now widely accessible for under £100. As databases grow, so do the chances of unexpected revelations, prompting calls for clearer warnings and support mechanisms in the industry.
