ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota health officials have regained the ability to indefinitely retain blood samples from newborn babies unless a parent refuses permission.
Gov. Mark Dayton on Tuesday signed the bill lawmakers approved last week. The issue has divided a medical community that says the blood spots can help identify disorders and privacy advocates who worry about warehousing of DNA.
READ MORE: Richfield H.S. Cancels Classes Friday 'Out Of Caution' After Social Media ThreatThe new law bans the sale of the samples and any related test results and data.
READ MORE: Next Weather: It's A Top 10 Weather Day Friday, Severe Storms Possible SundayThe action comes in the wake of a 2011 Supreme Court ruling and subsequent settlement that resulted in the destruction of more than 1 million blood samples stored under the prior Minnesota newborn screening program.
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