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MyHeritage has launched a new pro bono initiative to help adoptees and their birth families reunite through genetic testing. We are providing 15,000 MyHeritage DNA kits, worth more than one million dollars, for free, to eligible participants.
 

Who is eligible?

Participation in this project is open to adoptees seeking to find their biological family members, and to parents and other family members looking for a child they had placed in adoption years ago. Preference will be given to people who are not able to afford genetic testing. Leveraging the power of genetic genealogy opens new doors in the search for relatives, and we believe everyone should be able to access this valuable technology.

Applications are open until April 30, 2018. Apply Now

About DNA testing

Searching for long-lost relatives can be a challenge without a paper trail or any other informational clues. Luckily, inside the cells of our bodies is a map of our genetic history, called DNA. We each inherit 50% of our DNA from our mother and 50% from our father, which means that our biological parents’ genetic legacy is written into the cells of our body.

By examining the DNA is genetic material from a cheek swab, we are able to compare one person’s DNA to that of everyone else who has taken the test. When two people’s DNA results show that they share DNA in common, we are able to calculate the likely relationship between them, such as cousins, siblings, or parent/child. When names, dates, and locations may be unavailable, DNA is often the best link between family members trying to find one another.

Already taken a DNA test?

If you have already tested with another DNA service, you can upload your DNA data to MyHeritage for free to participate in this project. You will receive more matches and benefit others searching for their biological family.

 

Your privacy

Your privacy is closely protected on MyHeritage. We have made significant investments to ensure your account and personal details are secured and protected by multiple layers of encryption. Only you manage your DNA privacy settings and have access to your raw DNA data and your DNA results. All testing is done in our world-leading CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory in Houston, Texas.

 

How you take the test

We will mail accepted participants a MyHeritage DNA test kit. The test consists of a simple cheek swab (no blood or spit required) and takes only 2 minutes to complete. You then mail your sample to the MyHeritage DNA lab for analysis. Your results will be available in 4–6 weeks on a secure online account on MyHeritage, accessible to you only.

 

How we compute your results

At the MyHeritage DNA lab, we extract your DNA from the sample and translate the biological information into digital raw data. We then compare your DNA to the DNA of more than one million people in the MyHeritage DNA database to find matches. Your DNA matches are your relatives, and we are able to calculate the likely relationship between you. Our algorithms also calculate your Ethnicity Estimate, determining which segments of your DNA originate from different regions in the world to show you a breakdown of your ethnic origins.


About MyHeritage

MyHeritage is a global leader in family history and genetic genealogy. MyHeritage was founded in 2003 and offers a simple-to-use family tree platform, an expanding collection of 8.5 billion historical records, powerful matching technology, and a fast-growing, integrated DNA testing service. MyHeritage DNA is a powerful DNA test that reveals previously unknown relatives and ethnic origins. The MyHeritage DNA database has surpassed one million people and is among the fastest growing in the industry. Trusted by 94 million users, MyHeritage seeks to enable everyone to discover who they are and where they come from.

 

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