Caitlin longed to find her genetic family. What she learnt about her mother was a surprise
In 2016, on a whim, American woman Dani Shapiro submitted her DNA for analysis through a genealogy website. Weeks later she received the results: her 'beloved father' was, in fact, not her biological father, a revelation that shook Shapiro to the core.
In her bestselling 2019 memoir, Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love, Shapiro documents her experience opening Pandora's genealogy box and explores the personal and profound impacts that DNA tests can reveal.
But Shapiro is far from alone, with 2021 figures showing more than 30 million people have submitted their DNA via commercial tests such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, CircleDNA, GenoPalate and MyHeritage.
While there are numerous motivations for people to undertake a DNA test – from genealogy, gaining health information, and locating a biological relative, to plain curiosity – the results can often reveal more than anticipated.
'DNA testing is an interesting phenomenon because of the 'big unknown' that could be revealed in the results,' says clinical psychologist and author, Dr Rebecca Ray. 'Sometimes, unexpected results can bring confusion or emotional distress if they uncover family secrets or challenge personal beliefs, leading to a complex set of feelings.'
And sometimes, Ray adds, the results can have the opposite effect. 'The tests can also bring clarity, healing and connection, especially for those searching for identity or lost family members.'
Here's what happened when three women with very different stories tried a commercial DNA test.
'I had a longing to find my genetic family': Caitlin Leishman, 18
'I'm double-donor conceived. This means that while my mum was pregnant with me, I am not biologically related to her. When I was born, I had no idea who my genetic parents or family were.
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The Age
16 hours ago
- The Age
Caitlin longed to find her genetic family. What she learnt about her mother was a surprise
In 2016, on a whim, American woman Dani Shapiro submitted her DNA for analysis through a genealogy website. Weeks later she received the results: her 'beloved father' was, in fact, not her biological father, a revelation that shook Shapiro to the core. In her bestselling 2019 memoir, Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love, Shapiro documents her experience opening Pandora's genealogy box and explores the personal and profound impacts that DNA tests can reveal. But Shapiro is far from alone, with 2021 figures showing more than 30 million people have submitted their DNA via commercial tests such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, CircleDNA, GenoPalate and MyHeritage. While there are numerous motivations for people to undertake a DNA test – from genealogy, gaining health information, and locating a biological relative, to plain curiosity – the results can often reveal more than anticipated. 'DNA testing is an interesting phenomenon because of the 'big unknown' that could be revealed in the results,' says clinical psychologist and author, Dr Rebecca Ray. 'Sometimes, unexpected results can bring confusion or emotional distress if they uncover family secrets or challenge personal beliefs, leading to a complex set of feelings.' And sometimes, Ray adds, the results can have the opposite effect. 'The tests can also bring clarity, healing and connection, especially for those searching for identity or lost family members.' Here's what happened when three women with very different stories tried a commercial DNA test. 'I had a longing to find my genetic family': Caitlin Leishman, 18 'I'm double-donor conceived. This means that while my mum was pregnant with me, I am not biologically related to her. When I was born, I had no idea who my genetic parents or family were.
Sydney Morning Herald
16 hours ago
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Caitlin longed to find her genetic family. What she learnt about her mother was a surprise
In 2016, on a whim, American woman Dani Shapiro submitted her DNA for analysis through a genealogy website. Weeks later she received the results: her 'beloved father' was, in fact, not her biological father, a revelation that shook Shapiro to the core. In her bestselling 2019 memoir, Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love, Shapiro documents her experience opening Pandora's genealogy box and explores the personal and profound impacts that DNA tests can reveal. But Shapiro is far from alone, with 2021 figures showing more than 30 million people have submitted their DNA via commercial tests such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, CircleDNA, GenoPalate and MyHeritage. While there are numerous motivations for people to undertake a DNA test – from genealogy, gaining health information, and locating a biological relative, to plain curiosity – the results can often reveal more than anticipated. 'DNA testing is an interesting phenomenon because of the 'big unknown' that could be revealed in the results,' says clinical psychologist and author, Dr Rebecca Ray. 'Sometimes, unexpected results can bring confusion or emotional distress if they uncover family secrets or challenge personal beliefs, leading to a complex set of feelings.' And sometimes, Ray adds, the results can have the opposite effect. 'The tests can also bring clarity, healing and connection, especially for those searching for identity or lost family members.' Here's what happened when three women with very different stories tried a commercial DNA test. 'I had a longing to find my genetic family': Caitlin Leishman, 18 'I'm double-donor conceived. This means that while my mum was pregnant with me, I am not biologically related to her. When I was born, I had no idea who my genetic parents or family were.
Sydney Morning Herald
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Al Pacino tests credibility as a priestly exorcist in this horror outing
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