What are the disadvantages and advantages of DNA fingerprinting at birth?
1 Answer
There are various advantages and disadvantages of fingerprinting.
Explanation:
Advantages
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Allows for identification of family members if separation after birth occurred or in the cases of kidnapping, war or adoption.
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Helps individuals gather information about their backgrounds and relatives.
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Allows for identification of hereditary diseases that the individual is prone to, breast cancer is an example. This allows the guardians to adjust their infant's life to prevent complications associated with the disease in the future.
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Fingerprinting is a relatively non-invasive method of DNA profiling, no blood drafting required.
Disadvantages
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The sample of DNA can be easily ruined during the process of fingerprinting, especially when it comes to newborns.
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The process is tedious and can result in inconclusive or hard to interpret results.
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Accuracy largely depends on the competency of the equipment and lab personnel.
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It is considered by some as a violation of privacy, especially when it comes to newborns that cannot make their own decisions.
