Background Videos

Genetics & Adoption Symposium 
November 3-4, 2021 

This consensus project on best practices and appropriate uses of genetic testing for adopted persons examines key issues in genetic testing from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Bringing together leading scholars in genetics, bioethics, adoption psychology, and representative stakeholders, working groups grapple with optimal gene panels, appropriate timing of genetic tests, informed consent and genetic counseling, the role of ancestry testing and relative matching in adoptees’ identity and well-being, and key social, legal, and economic obstacles to genetic screening for adoptees. 

Genetic Testing and Adoption

Ryan Hanlon, MSW, PhD, National Council for Adoption
Vice President of Education, Research and Constituent Services

Relative Matching and Privacy

Amy McGuire, JD, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine
Lead, Cold Spring Harbor Banbury Working Group on Forensic Genealogy

Adoptee Perspectives on Genetic Testing

Lisa Gibson: President, Families with Children from China

Medical Needs for International Adoptees

Dana Johnson, MD, University of Minnesota
Founder of the first International Adoption Clinic

A Pediatrician’s Perspective on AAP/ACMG recommendations

Lainie Ross, MD, PhD, University of Chicago
Lead Author, American Academy of Pediatrics / American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Report on Genetic Testing of Children

Role of Family Health History in Health Screening and Maintenance

Lori Orlando, MD, MHS, MCI, Duke University
Lead, “MeTree” Family Health History based risk assessment tool

Newborn Screening: Coverage, Gaps and Genetic Testing Needs

Aaron Goldenberg, PhD, MPH, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Director, National Newborn Screening Clearinghouse; Member, Ethics and Legal
Work Group of the Newborn Screening Translational Research Network

Status of Insurance for Inherited Disease Testing

Anya Prince, JD, MPP, University of Iowa College of Law