DNA Testing on all newborns [Archive] - Bub Hub Pregnancy & Parenting Forum

ButterflyKisses

19-04-2006, 09:20

given the examples of the stories on their last night I also think it is a good idea and hopefully would eleviate heartache for the man as well as the child/children involved.

I felt really sorry for the man who had been married for 34 years and thought for 30 years that all of his 5 children were his only to recently discover that his wife had an affair with the next door neighbour and that 2 of his 5 children actually belonged to the neighbour. They didn't interview the 2 children (obviously no longer children) but goodness only knows what emotions they must be feeling about it all now.

jembelina

19-04-2006, 09:28

Is this something that is being talked about being made compulsory??? I havn't heard anything about it, so am a bit confused:confused: I think it would be going just a bit too far. I can see how it could be appropriate for some situations, but for me personally it is not something I would be willing to agree to. Mayeb i am naieve, but I thought cases of 'mistaken identity' so to speak were fairly rare?? IT just seems a littel big brotherish for my liking!

WeThree

19-04-2006, 09:32

agreed jembelina.
not only do i find the idea that all us woman need dna testing on our children offensive, i also dont like the idea of my childs dna being out there either, call me paranoid, but ive read to many conspiracy magazines so i cant help it, its my husbands fault :o

jembelina

19-04-2006, 09:45

I understand that there are some very upsetting situations out there, but (please don't jump down my throat for this) that is part of life and the world we live in. It doesn't make it a good thing or the right thing, but it is how it is. Just seems like a little step towards taking away our freedom. Also, like everthing else, I'm sure there will still be those who manage to trick the system somehow - depends how determined you are to hide something.

Nan

19-04-2006, 09:47

As a woman i find the suggestion that we all need to have our babies dna tested 'just in case' extremely offensive to say the least.

Here, here Coops. :yelclap:
I have nothing to hide and don't think I should have to do it because someone else does.
:thumbsdown: IMO.
Love,
Nan. xx

k15s

19-04-2006, 09:53

diamonds22

19-04-2006, 10:27

I'm not up on all the facts of the story in mention but perhaps offering a free DNA test for all newborns would be the way to go. That way if either "parent" wanted it they could but for those of us who know 100% the identity of the parents and find the whole thing offensive, we could just say "no thanks". Maybe yet another way to go is if a divorce goes through any children need to be DNA tested before payments are made between parents. I really feel for all those dads out there paying for kids that they think are theirs only to find out the women have cheated them. Amazing what we humans are capable of isn't it?!

I agree, I think its more appropriate to offer free non-compulsory DNA testing upon request. I watched the segment, and although I do think the reasons for compulsory newborn DNA testing are valid, I can�t help but feel offended. I would never ever cheat on my husband and I would be mortified that a third party (government) could force me to prove my fidelity to my husband�(the thought of it makes me feel disgraced alone and I am and always will be only loyal to my hubby)

jessgray

19-04-2006, 10:36

i think its a good idea but i wouldnt be using it coz i know for sure who the father of DS and #2 are :laughing:

littlepickle

19-04-2006, 10:52

With you on nthat Coops! I dotn like the idea of my bubs DNA info being out there! I think it is something that they are going to use in the future to fight crime. If they have a record of peoples DNA they can match up the DNA to that found at the crime scene etc. But surely thats private property? I mean, It would be nice to be asked permission first. I know they are saying that it is for checking the paternity of babies, but I think it is all much more far reaching than that..very big brotherish! I dunno, maybe I watch too much tv or something.

shed

19-04-2006, 10:58

If it was to check for paternity at the time of birth then yeah, sure, go for it.

I KNOW I'm my baby's mummy, DP just THINKS he knows he's the daddy. (He's right of course!!), but it wouldn't bother me either way if the baby was DNA tested.

We would never request it though, even if it was free. Mainly because it would involve a .........

NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDLE.

I don't have a problem with it, as long as the information was only used for that purpose and not kept for god-knows-what.

MamaSage

19-04-2006, 11:00

What a crock! More intervention, more govt control. Like Jembelina said, way too Big Brother. (In the 1984 sense, not the innane TV show) Not everyoine is trying to rip people off, I find it really offensive.

Kaycee

19-04-2006, 11:01

Issey

19-04-2006, 11:05

I saw something else on this on TV, I think Littlepicke hit the nail on the head. I don't think it is about the parents but keeping DNA for crime reasons etc.

Next they will want to microchip everyone as well so you can't do anything without them knowing!!

I don't think you should be forced to do it. Sure offer free testing to those who would like it and ask for it but other than that leave it alone.

catalicious

19-04-2006, 11:19

A DNA test firstly doesnt involve a needle it is merely a swab in the mouth.

I watched the majority of the story too and I feel for those men. But just because someone is confused about the Paternity of their child does not make them a bad person or someone "trying to rip people off" Carlia.!!

Yes there are some people that do that but I think you are generalising and dont really understand the situation you are looking at and believing what the program wanted you to think.

What if someone got raped and so there could be two diff people??
or
What if a woman (being a consenting adult) was having casual sex with maybe 2 diff people or more if she wanted that would be her buisness.

If a guy can sleep around and possibly father lots of children, then surely it is not just the mothers fault, for not knowing the paternity.!!

But yet everyone just looks down on the Mother.. At least the mothers I know that this has happened too are looking after their kids to the best of their abilities. Because the jerky possible fathers will not undergo a dna test.

Should a baby just be aborted because the father is not 100%

By no means am i saying decieveing someone into thinking they are the father is the right way to go, however there are people that dont know out there who cannot get the people tested, but do you feel for them??? Seems not.

I think if someone wants a dna test at birth they should be offered one.. However nobody should be made, and we should stop being so judgemental when we have no idea on the actual stories. only what the current affairs type programs want us to know about the them.

Do you think it would be easy on any woman in this position, he girls I know that this has happened too are mostly young (or where) and have thought about committing suicide becasue people just keep judging them, learn the circumstances becfore you put everyone into one category!! I merely reasure them that they are great mother Because they are just because they dont know who the father of ther babies are doesnt make them a bad person and shouldnt be judged forever on this.

They need our love and support just as much as dads.:hugs: :kiss: :hugs: :kiss: I feel for the dads that have been decieved for years also, but think of the mothers, who often have to raise kids on their own because of this.

MamaSage

19-04-2006, 11:27

I watched the majority of the story too and I feel for those men. But just because someone is confused about the Paternity of their child does not make them a bad person or someone "trying to rip people off" Carlia.!!
.

My brother has been in a situation of not knowing if he was the father of a particular child. He had a vasectomy and ten years later his partner conceived. They had separated when he was told about the baby. I know exactly what goes on, and it stinks. He has been messed around no end
My point was, why waste taxpayers money introducing such a radical scheme when not everyone is on a stiuation that warrants DNA testing? If they want to bring in such a scheme for the SOLE PURPOSE of making sure the father is the father, they are dreaming. Tthe govt will have to come up with something more legitimately useful than that.

catalicious

19-04-2006, 11:35

I understand that and I feel for you brother, but it isnt always the girls fault and thats what I am trying to get across.

I do feel sorry for your brother and other guys like that but guys arnt all angels, lets just leave it.

WeThree

19-04-2006, 11:37

I think alot of still is about this dark ages idea that all those righteous noble men out there need to be protected against us harlot woman who cant be trusted, makes me madder the more i think about it, so i am off to the park!!!

WeThree

19-04-2006, 11:39

I dont kno if I wrote before hads been read or just ignored..but I think for the kids it is the best option.
It damn well sucks not knowing who your father is..Its heartbreaking to be the child who does not know her dad.
Peopel judge all the time..funnily enough not my mother..they judge me and it sucks.
If you have no reason to get one then thats fine..theres no loss there..but for kids like me..it would make life so much easier.

Hey Sophie, I dont think anyone has a problem with it being an Option to people, it is the thought of it being made compulsory that makes my skin crawl.
ok, definetly off to the park~ now!!! :)

shed

19-04-2006, 12:06

A DNA test firstly doesnt involve a needle it is merely a swab in the mouth.

No needle? Fantastic news!! :D Not really sure how I feel about this then coz the needle was clouding the issue.

off to think about it...

misskittyfantastico

19-04-2006, 12:16

so what do you think about this?
i think its a great idea, would save a lot of heartache:thumbsup:

If it's offered, then that's one thing but on ALL newborns....no bloomin' way!

Ana Gram

19-04-2006, 12:20

And what would they do with that sample afterwards?? I would definately not support this.

Briannabear

19-04-2006, 12:23

If it's offered, then that's one thing but on ALL newborns....no bloomin' way!
I agree. I dont think it should ever be compulsury.
I would be highly offended if someone wanted to DNA test my children. My DH and I are happily and faithfully married.
I agree as well with Chelle on I wouldnt trust what they'd do with it afterwards.

pinkandblue

19-04-2006, 12:24

I find the idea offensive too.

There has been controversy in the past re. what those heel prick cards could be used for as they are stored indefinately by a private company (if I remember rightly, someone might remember more than I do about this)

Hi

I was going to say something about those heel prick cards aswell. Our babies DNA is already stored on those heel prick cards until they are 18 and then they are meant to be destroyed, but how will we know if it ever gets destroyed or not.

I was watching Missing Persons Unit a while back and the police tried to call and find out the DNA from these cards but it didnt go back further enough.

Getting a bit off the subject, what do they need these heel prick cards for anyway? I am going to find out how to get my kids cards destroyed.

Natalie

catalicious

19-04-2006, 12:33

Hi I was told that they test for 5 deadly but treatable diseases that children could get in their lives.

One being a thyroid condition, I am not sure if what I was told is correct but thats just my 2 cents.

Lucybelle

19-04-2006, 12:40

your are right cat.

these diseases are the type that can do irreversible damage if not picked up early and treated.
i just had a long chat with my midwife about this, if anyone finds out how to get the cards back, please let us know

pumpkin

19-04-2006, 12:43

i personally think it is a good idea for two main reasons.

1. some men are forced by csa to pay for a child that is not theirs until they have a dna done which is costly so it should be done so that in future if parents split etc there would be no questioning paternity of him. and therefore the ones that do it (name the father as someone yet it isnt) then it stops them from claiming cs from a non bio parent.

2. If when your child etc was older and went out partying or whatever and was murdered etc sometimes they cannot tell who the person is or in major raod accidents so therefore need to test for dna from the deceased and also a relative of the deceased person so it would be much easier for the coroner to get the dna from the deceased person and also to cross match it with dna stored from when they were newborn that would therefore distinguish any doubts of who the person is.

and lastly so many say that it should be optional yet this wouldnt stop the ones who put the wrong name down on the birth cert to claim csa and as far as i see it i would do it and all my kids have the same father anyway so it would be telling us something we already know so if you have nothing to hide etc then do it.

tickle

19-04-2006, 12:49

There is some interesting information about the heel prick in this thread.
http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=6814

catalicious

19-04-2006, 12:51

this might sound kind of silly but, in one way I think they should be done..

Watching neighbours and the storyline going on at the moment make me wonder about this topic.

It could happen. When I just had my son in Jan, he had no bands put on him, he also got put in the nursery for a little while, for circulation. He could of very well got accidentaly swapped with another baby.

I know it seems far fetched but hey it could happen, if its busy or something.

We had a dna test when my son was born anyway, cause daddy isnt that trusting and has since left anyway so why did we waste the money..... Sorry getting off topic.

But I mean I had to shower in hospital and stuff also. so you never know...

Lets just say I was relieved to see that I am indeed his mother... Not that I really doubted but hey you never know!!

tickle

19-04-2006, 12:59

No one can make me vaccinate, heel prick, or do anything else to my child for that matter. I did not see the program in question but the thought of DNA testing all babies saddens me to say the least.

MamaSage

19-04-2006, 13:03

Cat I see your point, but there are less radical ways to identify a baby.

And nobody can make you do it, like HL said. In making things like this compulsory they are just leaving themselves open for people to freebirth to avoid it, lie, and cheat the system. People will always find a way.

whatwasithinking

19-04-2006, 13:06

Excellent idea!

I have nothing to hide (not that I am saying anyone here on bubhub has).

catalicious

19-04-2006, 13:09

I agree with you guys on this.... I was just saying is all.

There is no way I would want it so everyone has to have one. But it should be cheaper or something if you choose to have it then and there when they are born.

They (the government) are just asking for trouble if they make this compulsary because you are right people will just give birth at home, or somewhere and it wont happen anyway (the dna testing). And the risks that these kind of births sometimes present are horrible!!!

I cant believe it is even under consideration, just make a service that is there if necessary, they want to know every little detail about everyone these days.

MamaSage

19-04-2006, 13:14

I cant believe it is even under consideration, just make a service that is there if necessary, they want to know every little detail about everyone these days.
Totally agree. Between the electroral roll, medicare and photo drivers' licensed, we cannot get away from Big Brother. I friggin hate it.

bronny-jane

19-04-2006, 13:38

well. my brother might be the father of an unborn baby, the mother isnt sure, she says its his. i think it would be great if he could find out for free, or at a discounted price, she is planning on giving the child to her mother, and if it is my brothers he would take care of the baby no questions asked.

pumpkin

19-04-2006, 14:06

as for the births so that they wouldnt have to have it done i doubt this very much as the governement would have to put in place that unless you get it done you get no benefits form centrelink just as you have to prove who the father is or get him to sign to say he agrees that he is the father to obtain csa.

MamaSage

19-04-2006, 14:07

Pah. I don't get anything from Centrelink. Wouldn't bother me anyway.

pumpkin

19-04-2006, 14:18

Pah. I don't get anything from Centrelink. Wouldn't bother me anyway.

so what you didnt need your maternity payment? as that would definately be one of the things they would include in it.

misskittyfantastico

19-04-2006, 14:29

back on topic;) A free service should be put in place if necessary but NO ONE can/will do a test on my baby without my permission

MamaSage

19-04-2006, 14:39

I was not entitled to it Pumpkin. We "earned too much" :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: This was before it was thousands of dollars and was not threshhold limited.

GloomCookie

19-04-2006, 15:12

What "story" were you all watching? Does anyone have any links or anything so that I can read up on it? I'd like to know more information so that I can have an opinion on the matter. :)

bronny-jane

19-04-2006, 15:20

it was on today tonight, id give you a link....but i dont know how:o :o

Pixie

19-04-2006, 15:35

hmm DNA is not 100% so what's the point lol
I mean really I didn't see the segment on telly but is it like for everyone? or you have a choice if you want it? I really don't think it should be a thing that has to be done...but then we lose little bits of our "freedom" each day like someone else said microchips will be next I sooo can see it happening! hey dogs have to have them lol

I don't want my kids DNA out there either! I too was all worried when Eliza got the heel prick test I asked about a billion questions before I allowed them to torture her and make me cry! And they said after a certain number of years I forget how many it's destroyed (or that's what they tell us)

DNA NO WAY lol not on my newborns!

GloomCookie

19-04-2006, 15:37

To post a link you just copy and paste what is in the address bar at the top of the page into the Reply window, bubhub does the rest for you. The link to Today Tonight is http://seven.com.au/todaytonight/

If you want to be sneaky and add it so that a word is the link, then you would type <url=http://seven.com.au/todaytonight/>link</url> but replace the <> with [] so it would look like this link (http://seven.com.au/todaytonight/). Or you can cheat and use the button (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/images/editor/createlink.gif) at the top of the Reply window.

But a look at the FAQ (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/faq.php) will tell you the same. :D

- - - - - - - - - - - -

I'm still looking for the actual story itself. When I find it I'll be back with more. :D

LittleBoysRock

19-04-2006, 15:46

At the hospital that my son was born at, they do not tell you your babies blood type as they have had too many instances in which the Father isnt actually the father.

Apparently it is quite common but I also find it offensive. :mad: There is no doubting who my son belongs too as I am totally comitted to DH and DS looks like his Daddy. :p

the_queen

19-04-2006, 15:59

With the heel prick test, I'm pretty sure (someone correct me if I'm wrong please!) that you can request for it to be destroyed straight away, or you can request to be given the bit of paper back after they've tested the blood - something like that. You can have the testing done but still ensure that the child's DNA is not put into a big warehouse a la The X-Files..... :rolleyes:

I do remember that Jaidyn Leske's body was identified because they had his DNA on file from his heel prick test. :crying:

Mybaby

19-04-2006, 21:09

I think DNA testing should be free because it is very expensive.I myself have been through DNA testing and it cost $800 and I had to save up to get it done.
I don't think it should be the law to have it at birth but it should be there for woman in case they don't know who the father is and need help financial and emotionally to find out.
To some people like myself not knowing who the father of your child is so hard and it's something that I think of everyday.I sometimes have days when i cry and tell myself how horrible I am but then I pick myself up and say I am now dealing with the situation and I'm doing a great job.
I'm not a bad person I Just made bad choices when I was younger and I'm now a mother of a very young baby and I have made my own choice to bring up my child by myself.I'm proud to say I'm doing a wonderful job indeed.
I find it very scary to write this all down and post it here but I do hope that if somebody is in my situation that your not alone.

Thanks

WeThree

19-04-2006, 21:14

Hey mybaby, i agree that for people who want it done, it definetly should not be $800, that is a huge amount of money!!!

misskittyfantastico

19-04-2006, 21:16

Oh big :hugs: to you Mybaby. You are incredibly brave for sharing your story and I think you should be applauded. You're right, we shouldn't be judged on mistakes we've made in the past - I think you sound like a responsible woman and a great mother:thumbsup:

catalicious

19-04-2006, 22:51

I was in a similar situation "mybaby" and I agree it is hard to talk about, its good to know there are others.

I feel for you, this is for you :hugs: :kiss: cause I know I need them alot...

Smile cause I bet your a great mum

SassyMummy

19-04-2006, 23:15

I actually think it would be a brilliant idea if all babies were fingerprinted, DNA tested and blood-sampled at birth. The results would then go into a database. MANDATORY.

I know it's pretty grim to think about, but imagine how many crimes would be more easily solved if there was a database which included such information. If our children were murdered/raped/etc it would be much easier for the "bad guys" to be identified. Imagine how important this information could be in court. If EVERY BABY was tested from TODAY ONWARDS, by the time they are adults they'll all be on file...as will their kids, grandkids, great grandkids etc.

I know it seems like some crazy "1984" George Orwell type idea, but I think it'd work wonders for the judicial system...and if it helped to put paedophiles, rapists, murderers, kidnappers, etc etc etc away...then why not?

Just my opinion...

reAllytee

19-04-2006, 23:46

I guess if everyone is so worried about big brother then they arent visiting the U.S anytime soon because they have to give their fingerprint as i.d or do you all take a plastic bag with you when you go out ? Because police can take your rubbish & get DNA off this also !

Whoops i forgot to add that i think its a great idea !
I too have a friend who's mum has lied to all of them as in all 4 kids about who their fathers were quite sad expecially when her youngest found out by chance & even approached her about it & she still lied !!!!!! :mad: He is lucky he has the proof etc now as his dad came forward but it is all so sad & it makes me angry a mother could be like this !
Yes i guess it is a little offensive that those who are in relationships or marriages get asked to do it but when it comes down to it even those in marriages or the likes lie to save themselves. Maybe making it optional is a great idea but then there will still be the problem of the mother lying to her partner & him being in the same boat.
Guess i would have no dramas handing it over because i know who my babys father would be or if i didnt then at least i could find out this way & then if something were ever to happen like bubs goes missing or the likes then we at least do have DNA or samples on file somewhere that could at least help identify him/her.

WeThree

19-04-2006, 23:50

Mamaduke

19-04-2006, 23:55

Hey mybaby, i agree that for people who want it done, it definetly should not be $800, that is a huge amount of money!!!
I guess that's why Maury Povich's show has so many willing participants in the segments entitled, "who's my baby's daddy" & "I slept with your brother...I don't know who's the daddy"....;)

Mamaduke

19-04-2006, 23:57

my dh refuses to ever enter the united states for that very reason Ally, and if i notice anyone suss following me around and looking in the rubbish after ive dropped something in it, then yup, ill start taking a bag with me ;)
Don't worry Erin...if our (the Liberals) idea goes to plan, we'll be doing it here too!
Who says that it already isn't happening???!!!!;)

reAllytee

20-04-2006, 01:05

Aaaaaah Mamaduke glad to see you back :D :laughing:

MumsieMel

20-04-2006, 07:29

How could you be sure there would be no corruption, swapping results, etc :eek:

Not happy Jan :thumbsdown:

Maybe make it avalible on request by either parent but not compulsory!

Mybaby

20-04-2006, 10:52

princess niamh - Have you heard of Gribbles Pathology They helped me last year.Good luck with it all.
Here is the link for you
http://www.gribbles.com.au/

I will tell my son the truth when he is older I don't believe in lying because that not only will hurt myself but it will hurt my son as well.I have a wonderful supportive family and friends and I know I am doing a great job in raising him.

I heard on Sunrise on channel 7 that when my son will go to Kindergarten that 20% of the students will be in a one parent family.

Mamaduke

20-04-2006, 11:06

Mamaduke - This is a very serious matter for some people and you should keep your childish sick Jokes to yourself.
Oh, lighten up!
Sometimes if you don't laugh...you cry...
I've just re-read my posts & I can't see anything 'sick' about them...

Mummabear

20-04-2006, 16:42

I know a girl who had only ever slept with one man her entire life. She fell pregnant. He wouldn't accept that it was his kid. She had a DNA test done - it came back negative. She was gutted. I'm 100% sure she never slept with anyone else, she's not that type of girl - and that child (who is now 10) is the spitting image of her father. Test do come back wrong.

I think it should be made compulsory for the women who won't put a name down on the birth certificate because I know of several women who have known and haven't done so simply so they can get more money from the government :shame:.

I don't think it should be compulsory for everyone - waste of taxpayers money. But I do think it should be compulsory for single mothers who aren't putting down a father.

catalicious

20-04-2006, 17:00

Whilst I semi agree with you "mummabear", I dont think that would work either.

I mean if a mother is putting down on a birth cert no name. If she does actually know there would be no way of proving she is lying...

Then no DNA test can be done because she claims she knows nothing about them.

Mummabear

20-04-2006, 17:04

WeThree

21-04-2006, 15:16

Don't worry Erin...if our (the Liberals) idea goes to plan, we'll be doing it here too!
Who says that it already isn't happening???!!!!;)

I know, dont get him started on that!!!! :rolleyes: :D

WeThree

21-04-2006, 15:16

I guess that's why Maury Povich's show has so many willing participants in the segments entitled, "who's my baby's daddy" & "I slept with your brother...I don't know who's the daddy"....;)

lmao!!! :laughing:

Mybaby

21-04-2006, 20:28

Mummabear - It was really hard for me to claim anything from centrelink because I didn't have anyone on the birth certificate.I had to prove I didn't know who the father was there was no way they would give me the full benefit So I did a DNA Test and it came back negative I showed centrelink that it came back negative and they told me that I don't have to take no more actions.

If you want to get the full benefit you have to prove it.

reAllytee

22-04-2006, 00:25

A girl i knew had to leave the fathers name blank on the birth certificate because he refused to acknowledge the baby was his to which only a DNA test would prove but because she has no money cant exactly afford to get it done but is now having to go through the courts to have it all done etc because centrelink wont give her any money because he is the father so wants him to pay support which he wont ... Its an endless cycle for her ... Oh i hope im never in that situation :(

Shananaaah

22-04-2006, 00:26

While I wouldn't personally have a problem with it, I understand why some people would object.

However - what if, just what if, from the DNA they could then tell you what diseases/ailments you may/will develop in later life? what if they could tell you that your child had a risk of developing MS, or depression, or cancer or something later in life, and that would mean you might be able to do something about it now? (also, of course you may not, and then you would be stressed about it for their whole life). But it could lead to other benefits as well.

"I think it should be made compulsory for the women who won't put a name down on the birth certificate".

I totally agree with this statement - a friend of mine is adopted and she has never known anything about her biologicical father, as he was never listed on the birth certificate. Now she is pregnant, and the doctors keep asking her about family history. She has NO IDEA of anything about her father. For all she knows he could have a history of cancer, or heart disease, or diabetes, or anything. Granted, she may be able to be tested for SOME of those things, but what if she was carrying a recessive gene that they didn't know about?

For her to be able to find out (or point her doctors to) the medical records of her father based on his DNA would mean she could feel more at ease.

Ythere are alot of positives about this, but I do understand that Sandra Bullock in "the Net" comes to mind.....

Tam-I-Am

26-04-2006, 01:49

However - what if, just what if, from the DNA they could then tell you what diseases/ailments you may/will develop in later life? what if they could tell you that your child had a risk of developing MS, or depression, or cancer or something later in life, and that would mean you might be able to do something about it now? (also, of course you may not, and then you would be stressed about it for their whole life). But it could lead to other benefits as well.

This is also what I think, but it worries me - what if, for example, people (ie potential employers, the government, insurance companies etc) started discriminating against you on the basis of your dna - what if you couldn't get insurance because you had a higher liklihood of developing breast cancer later on in life? What if you were denied a job in the government, ie the armed forces, on the basis that you had a higher liklihood of some hereditary illness?

I think that
1) its insulting to suggest that any woman should have to submit herself and her child to DNA testing against her will - fine, if she wants to, then I agree, it should be made available - but ONLY on a voluntary basis
2) It is disturbing that we don't know what would be done with the information gained from DNA testing

There are too many unknowns about this proposal - and, lets face it, Today Tonight is not the most credible of journalistic talents! LOL