Genetic tests can reveal dark secrets

The genetic testing company Ancestry.com has become a leading source for people to track their heritage. However, the company warns that “We are committed to delivering the most accurate results, however with this, people may learn of unexpected connections.” 

Unexpected and unwelcome, in some cases. As with Kelli Rowlette, a 36-year-old American woman who used the company’s services to complete her family tree. Unexpectedly, the man whom the test showed to be her father was unknown to her. She thought that it was an error and complained to her now-divorced parents.

They knew immediately what the problem was. They had fertility problems and sought help from a fertility clinic in southern Idaho. Because of the husband’s low sperm count, the doctor, Gerald Mortimer,  offered to create a cocktail composed of 85% of the husband’s sperm and 15% donor sperm. the couple specified that the donor should be a college man taller than six feet with brown hair and blue eyes.

Instead, the Ancestry.com test indicates, Dr Mortimer used his own sperm. He remained the doctor of Ms Rowlette’s mother and delivered her in 1981, without ever divulging the secret.

She and her parents are The family is suing Mortimer and Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates of Idaho Falls for US$10 million, accusing them of medical negligence, fraud, battery, negligent infliction of emotional distress and breach of contract.

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Michael Cook

Michael Cook edits BioEdge, a bioethics newsletter, and MercatorNet, an on-line magazine whose focus is human dignity. He writes from Sydney, Australia.

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