DNA fingerprinting has been used by different agencies to scientifically identifying genetic information of individuals. Also known as DNA profiling and genetic fingerprinting, this method has been used by courts, forensics and health insurance companies. And although this is popular, it is also controversial. While some agree on its use, there are also people who are vocal about their disagreement.Here are some advantages and disadvantages of this scientific identification method.
List of Pros of DNA Fingerprinting
1. It is useful to criminal investigations.
Perhaps, one of the advantages of DNA fingerprinting is in forensics. With pieces of evidence that can be found in a crime scene like traces of blood and hair, crime investigators can identify the perpetrators of a crime even if the victim is not able to do so. If a match is found on the database, it will be easier to bring the murderer to justice.
2. It can be used to determine paternity.
Another advantage of applying this scientific process is in paternity cases where the identity of the father of a child can be discovered by comparing the DNA of the child to that of the DNA of the possible father. This can work in the favor of a child if there is an issue of child support or is an offspring of a foreign father and this is needed for immigration purposes.
3. It is more convenient and accurate than having to take blood samples.
What makes DNA easier to obtain is that it can be taken from blood, hair and saliva as opposed to having to subject a person to blood extraction who might not be willing to do so or is not present at the scene. It is also more accurate as long as it is forensically valuable while blood samples can be tampered with.
List of Cons of DNA Fingerprinting
1. It is a violation of human rights.
One of the reasons that there are opponents of DNA profiling is the argument that it is some sort of harassment and a violation committed on private individuals who are subjected to one. The process of obtaining DNA samples in some cases are also questioned by opponents of this fingerprinting method. It is because anybody can extract DNA from a drinking glass used in a restaurant or a cigarette butt found in the trash.
2. It entails costs and a certain period of time.
If the need for identity is immediate, genetic fingerprinting might not be the ideal method. It needs to be processed and might take several days and even weeks especially if there are a lot of people to be identified. It is also not inexpensive and if used for convictions and solving criminal cases in large scale, the government will be spending a huge amount of money to do so.
3. It is not failure proof.
Despite its being highly accurate, this is not free from flaws. There are concerns about tampering which can also lead to wrongful convictions. It can also be used send innocent victims to prison especially if the DNA is compromised and yet used as evidence.
Conclusion
Contentions about DNA fingerprinting will be far from over. Indeed, it has many useful applications but there is no doubt on its imperfections. Careful consideration should be done before profiling any individuals DNA or agreeing to undergo one. The list above clearly indicates the need for this consideration.