Military to Let DNA Samples Be Destroyed
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WASHINGTON — Facing a legal challenge to collecting DNA samples, the Pentagon says military personnel who fear “genetic discrimination” may have their specimens destroyed once they complete their service.
The decision, outlined in a memo released Thursday, comes as two Marines face court-martial Monday for refusing to submit to DNA testing.
The Defense Department decision stems from concern that such information could be used “to deny employment or insurance from people or otherwise discriminate based on genetic conditions,” said the April 2 memo by Dr. Stephen Joseph, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.
The Pentagon has been collecting samples of deoxyribonucleic acid from all military personnel and civil servants since 1993 for the purpose of “remains identification.”
Under the refined policy, specimens will be destroyed within 180 days upon the request of the donor after completion of military service.
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