I was first asked to give a DNA sample several years ago. The request came from a cousin who had learned that a graduate student was doing research and compiling a database of Jews of Eastern European heritage. The purpose, or one of the purposes, was to possibly connect distant relatives whose parents and grandparents had been killed and/or displaced during the Holocaust.

I declined. I couldn't verify the credentials of the research project and was uncomfortable about my DNA being in a database that seemed to be questionable in terms of security and privacy.

Recently, the issue came up again when another relative asked me to give a DNA sample. This time it seemed to be a more-commercial venture - with a promise of valuable genetic information.

Again, I was uncomfortable about the privacy and security issues. But I also confronted a new question. Unlike the first research project several years ago (which purported to be a way of tracking migrations and connecting you to lost relatives), this more-recent venture would give me both family and medical information.

Did I really want to know? Like all of us, I know my family medical history -- longevity, family illnesses, etc. But did I really want any more information? Especially information cloaked with the imprimatur of science?

I respectfully declined...but I wonder.....