Elizabeth Rosner isn’t a biologist, and (unintentionally, I’m sure) misrepresents the research. The majority view in the field of epigenetics is that trans-generational epigenetic inheritance of things like trauma currently lacks compelling evidence and, just as importantly, a plausible mechanism. The studies from Emory University and Mount Sinai, for instance, were widely panned (see article) for lack of controls, lack of mechanistic insight, and weak statistical analysis.

What little evidence there exists shows a very narrow range of effect in model animals. I’ve co-authored one such study that specifically shows the heritability of stress in mice. I can confidently say that this only works in very specific, artificially constrained instances, the evidence is tenuous, and mechanisms are elusive.

To clarify, this isn’t to say that trans-generational epigenetic inheritance doesn’t exist. Rather, we know that it does in specific circumstances (in particular in invertebrate models). But the claims by Rosner and in some of the more sensational (and flawed) papers require a big leap of faith that most scientists in the field aren’t willing to take, lacking evidence and a mechanistic explanation.

What’s more, none of the scenarios described by Rosner requires trans-generational epigenetic inheritance. It’s much easier explained by social/cultural transmission. Invoking epigenetics in this context is pseudoscience.