打拐DNA信息庫(kù) (daguai DNA xinxiku): DNA information database against abduction

A DNA information database that aims to help abducted children find their biological parents will start to function soon, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and Ministry of Public Security announced recently.

The ministries have also explained the legal procedure, measures and policy basis for cracking down on abduction gangs and rescuing kidnapped children, saying the DNA information database will provide complete information on missing children and those that have been rescued by police.

After a child is reported missing, public security officials should immediately ask police to start a rescue mission, and then take blood samples of the missing child's biological parents for free to conduct DNA tests and input the data into the DNA information database. And after an abducted child is rescued, public security officials should get its DNA sample and add it to the database. This will help match the DNA samples of the child and its biological parents.

Given China's huge population and vast territory, as well as the lack of relevant information, it is difficult for police to always find the biological parents of the abducted children who are rescued. The DNA information database is expected to remove such barriers.