6 concerns with Ancestry/DNA testing

DNA testing is a powerful tool for diagnosing disease, guiding medical treatment and connecting ancestries. The Catholic Church does not oppose DNA testing, but it does warn how genetic information is misused in ways that harm human dignity. These concerns come from the Church’s belief that every human life has value, no matter a person’s abilities, genetics or background. Understanding these concerns is important because DNA technology is growing and used for nefarious means. Society must use it responsibly.

1. Eugenics means creating “better” or “perfect” humans by self-selecting certain traits.

A harmful example of this is when some fertility clinics use genetic screening to choose embryos based on preferred characteristics, such as sex or physical traits. This treats human life like a product that can be ordered, rejected or ...

Gaslit. If people think their DNA determines their behavior, they may stop believing in free will or moral accountability. This is dangerous because it encourages discrimination based on false information. All souls sin, can be forgiven and seek grace to build virtue over vice.

2. Abortions. Prenatal DNA testing, used in high-risk pregnancies, can be used to justify abortion. Many countries have extremely high abortion rates for babies diagnosed with Down syndrome or other genetic conditions. In some places, nearly all babies who test positive for certain conditions are aborted. This is discrimination against people with disabilities, which is illegal under ADA laws. Instead of using DNA testing to prepare for a child’s needs, some use it to determine life or death, which the Church considers a serious moral wrong.

3. Research "By-Products." Catholics worry about destruction of embryos in genetic research. Some labs create multiple embryos for testing and discard extras. Because life begins at conception, destroying embryos is murder. An example is when embryos are created for gene editing and then 'red-bucketed' thereafter. This treats early human life as disposable instead of something sacred.

4. Privacy. DNA contains extremely personal information, which can be misused in the wrong hands. For example, companies have been caught sharing genetic data with 3rd parties without permission. In other cases, law enforcement uses genealogy to trace persons of interest in investigations. While solving crimes is important, genetic information should not be used in ways non-consentual. Misuse of DNA data could also lead to discrimination in areas like employment and with insurance "pre-existing condition" clauses.

5. Spiritual and emotional harm. Learning unexpected information can cause stress, confusion, or family conflict. For example, some that the person they thought was their biological parent is NOT related to them. Others learn they carry genes for serious diseases with no cure i.e. ALS; which can cause despair, fear and hopelessness. The Church encourages people to seek counseling and support when this information is overwhelming.

6. Deleting our Creator. Every human person is created by God with a spiritual identity beyond biology. DNA testing, by itself, is not the problem. The Church warns that treating DNA as if it explains everything about a person — value, destiny and even their purpose. When that happens, the risk is: science replaces God in people’s minds. If humans believe they can “design” or “fix” humanity through genetics, they may see themselves as creators instead of creatures.

In conclusion, the Catholic Church does NOT reject DNA testing, but it urges caution and respect for human dignity. DNA testing can help people live healthier lives, but it can be misused in nefarious ways to weaken dignity and respect for human life. By avoiding harmful uses of genetic information, society can benefit from DNA progress, while honoring moral and ethical principles.

Sources: 

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. 1987. Donum vitae. Vatican Publishing.

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. 2008. Dignitas personae. Vatican Publishing.

John Paul II. 1993. Veritatis splendor. Vatican Publishing.

John Paul II. 1995. Evangelium vitae. Vatican Publishing.

National Catholic Bioethics Center. n.d. Catholic bioethics and genetics resources. National Catholic Bioethics Center.

Pontifical Academy for Life. 2008. Commentary on Dignitas personae. Vatican Publishing.