Exploring experts’ views on “Not Parent Expected” discoveries via direct-to-consumer DNA ancestry testing

AI Summary

Insufficient support for individuals receiving NPE findings, with limited formal genetic counselling and mixed-value informal peer resources.
Standard consent processes often fail to prepare consumers for unexpected NPE discoveries; experts call for clearer, creative pre-test information.
Many experts argue testing companies have moral responsibility to provide or signpost supportive resources, even without legal obligations.

BMC Med Ethics. 2026 May 25. doi: 10.1186/s12910-026-01494-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Millions of people have taken Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) DNA ancestry tests to learn more about their ethnic ancestry and family history. A small but growing body of research has noted that these DTC DNA ancestry tests raise challenging ethical, psychosocial, and resource-related issues that have not been adequately considered nor discussed. One key issue concerns a “Not Parent Expected” (NPE) discovery, in which a user suddenly and unexpectedly learns from these tests that an assumed parent (typically the father) is not a biological parent. Such news can negatively affect mental health, self-identity, and family relationships. Given the limited research on this topic, we aimed to explore experts’ views on the ethical, psychosocial and support-related aspects of DTC DNA ancestry testing, particularly for individuals who receive NPE news.

METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study. This involved semi-structured interviews with ten experts on DTC DNA ancestry testing, who had written about or actively researched these issues. The interviews were analysed using codebook thematic analysis.

RESULTS: The analysis resulted in three overlapping themes. The first concerned insufficient support for the NPE population, despite the emergence of some relevant resources. The supports discussed included formal resources, such as genetic counselling and therapy, as well as informal resources, including online peer support. Both formal and informal resources were seen as having advantages and disadvantages. The second theme concerned the need for better consideration of informed consent before taking these tests. Many experts reported that standard consent procedures do not fully prepare consumers for the possibility of making an unexpected discovery such as an NPE event. They suggested that this information could be communicated more effectively, including using creative measures before consent is obtained. The third theme related to the testing companies’ role and responsibility in relation to support for individuals learning NPE news. A few experts suggested that these companies bear some moral responsibility, even in the absence of a legal obligation, to provide or direct individuals to supportive resources.

CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings contribute to ongoing debates regarding DTC DNA ancestry testing by highlighting the need for greater support for those affected by NPE discoveries and clearer consideration of the responsibilities of testing companies.

PMID:42178538 | DOI:10.1186/s12910-026-01494-4

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