40 Million People Take Ancestry DNA Tests, But Are They Prepared for the Results?

Introduction to Ancestry DNA Tests

It's estimated that up to 40 million people have taken online ancestry DNA tests to learn more about their family history and cultural identity. These direct-to-consumer genetic testing kits are sometimes given as gifts or purchased 'as a bit of fun', which means people often aren't prepared to uncover a shocking family secret. They don't expect to discover unexpected parents, siblings, and other relatives.

Michelle Blanchard, CEO of VANISH, a Victorian-based not-for-profit organisation, says, 'It's something that can be absolutely life changing, in that it really disrupts a person's sense of who they are at their very being.' VANISH provides support to adults affected by past adoption practices, as well as donor-conceived individuals. They're helping people navigate complex family issues.

The Initial Reaction

Making an unexpected discovery through DNA testing can lead to shock. It can also lead to disbelief, confusion, or even numbness, says Zena Burgess, CEO of the Australian Psychological Society. 'Especially if the results challenge long-held assumptions about identity, family history, or upbringing,' Dr Burgess explains. A central finding across the literature is that unexpected DNA discoveries can destabilise identity. They can disrupt an individual's life narrative. People may experience feelings of grief, anger, betrayal, sadness, and curiosity.

Seeking Support

DNA test results can be the beginning of a journey that's often not straightforward. It's a journey that can be incredibly difficult, says Ms Blanchard. These journeys can uncover a whole range of information you may not have been expecting. 'I would really encourage people to make sure they have a good support network around them,' she advises. Depending on what you've discovered, there are a number of services you can reach out to. You can't do it alone, so it's essential to have support.

Post-Adoption Support Services

If it's clear in the DNA result that the people who raised you aren't your biological family, it's possible that an adoption has occurred. You can apply to state government adoption information services in each state and territory for information. Ms Blanchard says that's a good first step for people to try and 'piece together what they can'. When you apply, you can generally receive a copy of an original birth certificate. It would show the identity of your mother, at the very least.

Reconnecting with Family Members

From there, you can reach out to post-adoption support services in your state or territory. For example, VANISH in Victoria and Jigsaw in Queensland. 'These organisations have decades of experience in supporting people who are interested in searching for and reconnecting with family members,' Ms Blanchard says. Such services can also support people who are donor-conceived. They work with other organisations like Donor Conceived Australia and VARTA. They're providing essential support to those in need.

Donor Conception and Sperm Donor Registries

In Victoria, NSW, and WA, there are central sperm donor registries. A registry for Queensland is in the process of being established. In all other states and territories, each fertility clinic keeps these details. Navigating historical donor records can depend on where and when the treatment took place, says Ms Blanchard. 'The initial donor conception programs were created on the basis of anonymity … that's all changed now because legislation supports a person's right to know who they are.' It's a significant change, and it's giving people the right to know their identity.

Search Angels and Online Platforms

Many people searching for family members choose to work with volunteer researchers, often known as Search Angels. Ms Blanchard says people should understand what engaging a Search Angel could entail. You can't just share personal information online without being careful. She also encourages people to be careful when sharing personal information online - or that of others - when searching for family via platforms such as social media. It's crucial to protect your identity and that of your family members.

Seeking Professional Help

Dr Burgess says seeking support from a psychologist can provide a safe space to process complex feelings around identity and family relationships. Services such as VANISH can also connect people with counselling and peer support. Jane Tiller, an ethical, legal, and social adviser in public health genomics at Monash University, says people who uncover health information via their results should speak to their GP. 'People want to know about health risks and … are desperate for preventative information,' she explains. They want to know how to prevent health issues, and they're looking for guidance.

Approaching Conversations with Family

Speaking with parents or family members about why information was kept from you can be incredibly difficult, says Dr Burgess. 'Understanding betrayal trauma - where secrecy itself, not just the biological revelation - becomes the core psychological issue.' Dr Burgess says it can be helpful to approach the discussion using 'I' statements. You can express how the discovery has made you feel, such as: 'I feel confused' or 'I'm trying to understand', rather than immediately placing blame. You don't want to accuse them without understanding their perspective.

'It's normal to also experience feelings of grief, anger, betrayal, sadness, and curiosity,' says Dr Burgess. You're not alone in feeling this way, and it's essential to acknowledge your emotions.

Moving Forward

Ms Blanchard says to approach conversations from a place of curiosity. 'On the part of adoptive parents [or parents who used donor sperm], there might be sensitivities like difficulty conceiving they may still be carrying with them, a sense of shame, or stigma.' Ms Blanchard says whatever path you take after an unexpected ancestry DNA test result, take your time. 'These are really big discoveries to make, and they can have an enormous impact on your life.' You can't rush the process, and you shouldn't try to.