DataBreaches.Net

Menu
  • About
  • Breach Notification Laws
  • Privacy Policy
  • Transparency Report
Menu

Minnesota: Without Your Consent

Posted on March 14, 2008October 24, 2024 by Dissent

Seen at the Wright County Republican web site:

Please contact Governor Tim Pawlenty and other elected leaders now to tell them you oppose government ownership if DNA of newborn citizens and the distribution of baby DNA to genetic researchers without consent or legal authority. Demand the immediate dismantlement of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDA) warehouse of data and genetic testing.

The petition can be found at: http://www.cchconline.org/petition/babyDNA2007.php

It reads:

I, the undersigned citizen:

Oppose illegal State government ownership of the blood, DNA and genetic test results of newborn citizens in Minnesota. In July 1997, solely by an executive decision of health officials-no law-the MN Department of Health began retaining the DNA-filled blood specimens of all newborn babies. The State now claims ownership rights to the DNA of more than 670,000 children (approx. 70,000 births/yr). In July 1986, MDH began cataloging the genetic test results of all Minnesota children. Approximately 1.4 million children are in the database.

Oppose the dissemination of newborn blood and DNA to genetic researchers. The MDH provides baby DNA to genetic researchers without parent consent or notification. Minnesota state law does not authorize such dissemination or use for medical or genetic research.

Oppose failure of MDH to follow Minnesota’s Genetic Privacy Law. On August 1, 2006, the genetic privacy law went into effect. It requires “written informed consent” for storage use & sharing of genetic information, including baby DNA (M.S. 13.386). This is not being done.

Oppose establishment of a State warehouse of citizen DNA: The MDH has established a databank (warehouse) for the DNA of all citizens born in Minnesota. In only eight years, the first children from whom DNA was illegally and arbitrarily confiscated will be 18-year-old adults. The DNA databank will expand annuallyl with the DNA of more than 70,000 citizens.

Oppose the Minnesota Department of Health’s refusal to fully inform parents. MDH officials have refused to explicitly tell parents that newborn screening is government genetic testing, that State government, not the hospital, is doing the testing, and that parents have a legal right to object and to protect their children from genetic testing and research (2003 MN law).

I call on Governor Tim Pawlenty to direct the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to comply with Minnesota state privacy law, to fully inform parents of the genetic testing process and their legal rights–and to dismantle MDH’s illegal warehouse of newborn citizen DNA.

Category: Health Data

Post navigation

← 4 Reasons Why Health Plans Struggle with PHRs
UCLA workers snooped in Spears' medical records →

Now more than ever

"Stand with Ukraine:" above raised hands. The illustration is in blue and yellow, the colors of Ukraine's flag.

Search

Browse by Categories

Recent Posts

  • A state forensics lab was leaking its files. Getting it locked down involved a number of people.
  • CoinMarketCap Hacked, Scrambles to Remove Malicious Wallet Verification Popup
  • Montana Attorney General launches investigation into Lee Enterprises data breach
  • AT&T gets preliminary approval for $177 million data breach settlement
  • Aflac notifies SEC of breach suspected to be work of Scattered Spider
  • Former JBLM soldier pleads guilty to attempting to share military secrets with China
  • No, the 16 billion credentials leak is not a new data breach — a wake-up call about fake news (Updated)
  • Tonga’s health system hit by cyberattack (1)
  • Russia Expert Falls Prey to Elite Hackers Disguised as US Officials
  • Proposed class action settlement in In re Netgain Technology litigation

No, You Can’t Buy a Post or an Interview

This site does not accept sponsored posts or link-back arrangements. Inquiries about either are ignored.

And despite what some trolls may try to claim: DataBreaches has never accepted even one dime to interview or report on anyone. Nor will DataBreaches ever pay anyone for data or to interview them.

Want to Get Our RSS Feed?

Grab it here:

https://databreaches.net/feed/

RSS Recent Posts on PogoWasRight.org

  • The Markup caught 4 more states sharing personal health data with Big Tech
  • Privacy in the Big Sky State: Montana’s Consumer Privacy Law Gets Amended
  • UK Passes Data Use and Access Regulation Bill
  • Officials defend Liberal bill that would force hospitals, banks, hotels to hand over data
  • US Judge Invalidates Biden Rule Protecting Privacy for Abortions
  • DOJ’s Data Security Program: Key Compliance Considerations for Impacted Entities
  • 23andMe fined £2.31 million for failing to protect UK users’ genetic data

Have a News Tip?

Email: Tips[at]DataBreaches.net

Signal: +1 516-776-7756

Contact Me

Email: info[at]databreaches.net

Mastodon: Infosec.Exchange/@PogoWasRight

Signal: +1 516-776-7756

DMCA Concern: dmca[at]databreaches.net
© 2009 – 2025 DataBreaches.net and DataBreaches LLC. All rights reserved.