Welcome to Watershed DNA
Search Topics
- DNA Surprise 43
- NPE 38
- DNA Discovery 35
- DNA 33
- Direct to Consumer DNA 25
- Adoption 21
- Adoptees 19
- Ancestry Testing 17
- Family Search 17
- Misattributed Parentage 17
- Home DNA Test 14
- Medical Genetics 14
- Donor Conception 13
- 23andMe 12
- Biological Family 12
- Genetic Counselor 12
- Podcast 12
- Genetic Genealogy 11
- Genetics 11
- Biological Father 10
- DTC Genetics 10
- DNA Test 9
- At Home Testing 8
- DNA Shocks 8
- Family History 8
- Sperm Donation 8
- DNA Support 7
- Genetic Counseling 7
- ROH 7
- Raw Data 7
- Support 7
- DNA Guide for Adoptees 6
- Donor Conceived 6
- Promethease 6
- Alzheimer 5
- DNA Podcast 5
- Family 5
- Forensic Genealogy 5
- Genetic Testing 5
- Paternity 5
- Resources 5
- Stem Cell Transplant 5
- Birth Parents 4
- Egg Donation 4
- Family Health History 4
- Family Secrets 4
- GEDMatch 4
- Non-Paternity 4
- Support Group 4
- Ancestry 3
New uncle confused by his sister’s reaction to her adult child’s discovery
I recently received an inquiry from the uncle of a newly-discovered adult adoptee who had searched and identified his biological mother via 23andMe. The question was why his sister (the birth mom) had at first been excited that her biological son had been found, but then changed.
Genetic counseling for stigmatized pregnancy conceptions
This is a post aimed at educating the professionals who work with people having DNA testing who are familiar with and in a position to share unexpected findings such as incest/high ROH. At the end, we offer a call-to-action. NOTE: Please proceed to the full post only if you are prepared to read about shocking topics including sexual trauma, DNA trauma, severe family dysfunction and abuse.
Genetic counselors: who we are and what we do
Have you or your family ever met with a genetic counselor before? Do you know one personally? Just like there are so many ways doctors and nurses and teachers apply their education and training, there are countless ways genetic counselors help.
How birth certificates and DNA testing help adoptees on a bio family search
Adopted and interested in starting a search? We’ve gathered more detailed information for you here and identified places to go for more. Two paths—the DNA-first route and the records-first route—are the main paths adoptees use today to begin a search for biological relatives.
Legislation changes in the U.S. mark watershed changes to donor conception
Read about the first U.S. state to pass a bill banning anonymous donation of gametes providing protections and other legislative changes providing new safeguards for those conceived with donor assistance.
Study aims to explore the experiences of those with surprise discovery about a parent
Research into the experiences of people getting unexpected results from a home DNA test is still in infancy. A new study based at McGill University aims to explore the experiences of consumer DNA testers who receive an unexpected result with implications to their own parentage.
Stigma, health, DNA, and adoptee rights: a discussion with Gabrielle Glaser about the changing landscape in America
On today's episode, Glaser talks with DNA Clarity and Support host Brianne Kirkpatrick about the history of coerced adoption in the United States and the influence of culture and stigma on women who in other circumstances might have chosen to parent rather than surrender their to the adoption system.
Got an unexpected medical genetic result? Share your experience with researchers
The Genomic Services Research Program (GSRP). A study for patients with unexpected genetic results.
Haiku Inspired by DNA
Creativity comes in many forms and is a powerful way to find healing. Today we share a free resource with you, a downloadable, printable e-book called Haiku Inspired by DNA. It has space to doodle and color while you read.
“Don’t lose sight of your why” — Diahan Southard on DNA Clarity and Support
In this episode, Brianne interviews author Diahan Southard, creator of Your DNA Guide, who brings a much-needed dose of enthusiasm to the talk about genealogy, a biological parent search, and DNA testing!

