DNA profiling at birth

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DNA fingerprinting has become one of the best scientific methods to identify genetic information called DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA fingerprinting is an unforgettable part of society, assisting to prove innocence or guilt in criminal cases, resolving immigration arguments and clarifying paternity. This essay will look at whether new born babies should be DNA fingerprint profiled at birth by analysing both the positive and negative aspects of this procedure. Being a fairly new procedure, there are many arguments for and against DNA finger printing new borns. Supporting arguments for this procedure are that it makes it easier to determine paternity and easier to solve crime scenes in forensic science. However, there are also arguments against this procedure, including, privacy concerns and issues on accuracy.

Forensic scientists have been curious in using genetic information to match crime scene evidence with suspects in criminal investigations for a very long time. However recently the lack of suitable experimental approach prevented them from achieving this until DNA fingerprint profiling was discovered. During the 1980’s geneticist Alec Jeffreys discovered how to DNA fingerprint using a drop of his own blood. Since then DNA fingerprinting has been used on hundreds of thousands of people throughout many countries and helping trap hundreds of killers, free the innocent and revolutionise science and criminal justice.

DNA fingerprinting is a process with many steps that takes a lot of time. The first step of making a genetic fingerprint requires getting a sample of DNA, a thread of hair, a drop of blood, even skin cells. Any one of these samples of DNA contain white blood cells which are broken down by using a detergent. Thi...

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...ily life and possible genetic disorders along with certain genetic traits such as predilection and antisocial behaviour.

Another argument against DNA fingerprinting at birth is that there may be issues with accuracy and the quality of the finger print. The accuracy may be wrong as the fingerprint changes from baby to child and from child to adult and do not remain static. The pattern of the fingerprint may still be similar however it may be harder to automatically search the fingerprint when comparing to an adult size. Also any form of injury to the fingerprinted finger would make an individuals entry into the database in vogue.

There are clearly many obvious benefits to DNA fingerprinting babies at birth as this procedure is used in forensic science. It has helped solve many crimes by dismissing suspects and helping to identify and convict the guilty person.

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