Should Coroners Keep DNA Samples to Help Living Relatives?
Official title: Proposed Amendments to Regulation 180: General under the Coroners Act
When someone dies unexpectedly in Ontario, an autopsy may be performed. Right now, tissue samples can only be kept to investigate the death itself. The province wants to change that. Under this proposal, DNA samples could be stored for up to 50 years so living relatives can request genetic testing later—potentially catching hereditary conditions before they cause harm.
Why This Matters
Lost a family member suddenly? This could help you years later. If a genetic heart condition caused their death, testing their stored DNA could reveal whether you carry the same risk. Families would also have the right to say no—samples can be destroyed on request.
What Could Change
Pathologists would be required to collect DNA samples when a genetic condition may have caused death. Samples would be stored securely for 50 years. Only accredited labs could perform testing, and only at a family member's request. Families could demand disposal of samples at any time.
Key Issues
- Should DNA samples be collected and stored for up to 50 years after autopsies?
- When should collection be mandatory versus discretionary?
- Are the privacy protections adequate for genetic information?
- Should families have the right to require disposal of samples?
How to Participate
- Review the proposal on the consultation page to understand the proposed changes to DNA sample collection and retention.
- Submit written feedback by mail to the Strategic Policy Division, Ministry of the Solicitor General, 25 Grosvenor Street, Floor 9, Toronto, ON M7A 1Y6 by the deadline.
Submit Your Input
Tips for Your Submission
- Organizations wishing to discuss this proposal may request a meeting by February 2, 2026.
Questions Being Asked (4)
- Do you support enabling the collection and retention of tissue samples for future genetic testing?
- Are the proposed privacy protections adequate?
- Is a 50-year retention period appropriate for extracted DNA samples?
- Should families have the right to require disposal of genetic testing samples?