Genetic Testing and Jewish Identity?

Yesterday’s discussion about genetics and Judaism was very interesting. I think that what is known as the “Jewish Panel” for genetic testing is very interesting, however it bothers me that is what it is called. While these diseases may be prevalent in Jews, they are clearly not diseases that affect only Jews. Also, people who use genetic testing to confirm their identities I think is a misuse of those tests, resources, and money. Judaism is a religion while it has a lot of culture associated to it anyone can be Jewish.

I think that genetic testing and Judaism are really are separate things. While it is clear that these diseases are more often found in Jews, I don’t think that this group of tests needs to be titled with the word Jewish. I think that if you are Jewish your doctors should encourage these tests; however I think that doctors should encourage this panel to anyone. I feel that by giving this panel of important genetic tests a title with the word Jewish in it may cause others not to feel the need to look into and take these tests.

I am a firm believer of and am in complete support of all genetic testing. If I could get tested for diseases that I might pass on to my children I absolutely would. I think that it should be the responsibility of every parent, doctor and insurance company to make it a necessary thing to do genetic testing. Also in terms of Breast Cancer and BRCA1 and BRCA2, it is upsetting and bothersome to me that Ashkenazi Jews have become known to have these genes. I think it is important to note that this idea is based upon research and who the participants of that research were.

While I think it is interesting that these diseases have been found to be prevalent in Jews it is important to see that more often than not people who are Jewish are the ones willing to participate in the research of these diseases because we typically trust in the medical system.