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Heritage

Genomic information can tell us something about our past, present and future. It can help us better understand our current health (for example, by linking symptoms to a genetic condition), suggest how our health might evolve over time (for example, by identifying genetic predispositions to certain diseases), and offer insights into where we come from. The latter includes both our immediate family background, such as who our parents and close relatives are, and our more distant origins, including ancestors and cultural histories.

Family relationships and genomic information

Information about biological family relationships can emerge in different contexts. For example, it may arise when a genomic test is carried out for clinical reasons, such as screening for health risks or personalising treatment. In such cases, questions may arise regarding the responsibility of healthcare professionals to disclose unexpected information about family relationships, the possible psychological and social impact of such disclosure, and family members’ rights to keep this information private. Direct-to-consumer genetic tests, which people can order online, may also reveal this kind of information, often without adequate preparation or counselling to help individuals understand and process the results.

Ancestry and identity

Genomic information can also provide insights into historical ancestry. By analysing patterns of genetic variation, an individual’s genome can be linked to historical populations (such as Neanderthals) or broad geographical regions (such as West Africa, East Asia, Northern Europe, etc.). While many people value the recreational or personal interest of this information, it can also be socially sensitive. In some cases, it may reinforce outdated or socially loaded concepts, such as racial categories, and contribute to stereotypes, bias, stigma or discrimination. It is therefore important to recognise that ancestry information does not define fixed biological or racial groups, but is based on statistical probabilities and social interpretations.

Genomics and human history

Individual genomes can be seen as rich archives of human evolutionary history. Genomics can offer valuable insights into historical population movements, migration and demographic change, often showing that human history is characterised by movement and interconnection rather than by clearly separated or isolated groups.