Ancestry DNA test?

[mareish]

I have never known my father. When I asked my mother as a curious teenager who he was she told me nothing except that he left as soon as she was pregnant.
This was in the seventies & my Mum was determined to keep me despite a lot of family & social pressure to conform & have an abortion. I can only imagine what she must've gone through & I had everything that she could provide as a single parent, I respect her for that & am extremely grateful.
Many years later I have not approached the subject again for fear of upsetting or disrespecting her. I don't think I have missed out on not knowing him & quite sure he hasn't tried to find me as my family haven't gone far!
I have one niggle though.....as I have aged I am concerned that there is a big hole in my knowledge of paternal medical history & health.
I am tempted to join Ancestry DNA & try to find out more. I am unsure how much I will learn from it but very curious. AIBU?
Do I go ahead without telling my Mum?
Do I leave well alone?
Does anyone have any experience or advice please?

You mentioned it once as a teenager and Many years later I have not approached the subject again for fear of upsetting or disrespecting her.

Absolutely mention it. And she should be willing to answer questions no matter how she feels

If he didn't know your mum was pregnant he couldn't have looked for you. This is one of those times when you are right to be selfish, even thought it isn't a selfish want. Your right to know trumps your mother's choice to be quiet.

Do it. You may not know anything about your father but at least you will have his ancestral origins and if you are lucky family members on your dad’s side will have also completed tests and profiles and you can contact them.

At a minimum it’s just interesting.