The Ethical Issues Surrounding The Forensic Uses Of Dna

Over the past several weeks, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) usage has been the ongoing dialogue. This weeks readings encompasses the ethical issues surrounding the forensic uses of DNA as well as secondary uses of human biological material from mass disasters. DNA is considered an individuals genetic fingerprint, thus it is exclusive to each and every individual. Since this exclusivity exists, DNA is a tool used for identification purposes. It has been utilized for investigations of serious crimes, identification of individuals killed in mass disasters, wars and paternity uncertainties1. Since the inception of the use of DNA in the 1980’s thousands of criminals have been caught and prosecuted with the help of DNA evidence2. Additionally, countless victims of mass disasters have been identified through DNA and returned to their loved ones. Although, there are various benefits to employing DNA it does not come without a sundry of ethical and legal concerns. 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