Statement Archive

In 2018, a legislative amendment was proposed that would protect the genetic privacy of immigrant families by restricting the use of their genetic material and data to helping reunify family members. The amendment would require that government officials restrict their use of DNA analysis to when it is truly needed and ensure that biological samples... Read More

In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) invited comments on its intention to exempt a list of class II devices from premarket notification requirements, including tests assessing genetic health risks. ASHG responded to this request for comment by outlining its support for regulation that brings scientifically valid, evidence-based tests to market, and expressing... Read More

In 2017, ASHG and 10 international organizations published a position statement on human germline genome editing in The American Journal of Human Genetics. The statement recommended against genome editing culminating in human pregnancy, supported publicly funded in vitro research into its potential clinical applications, and outlined scientific and societal steps necessary before implementation of such... Read More

ASHG supports DNA profiling as a law enforcement tool to identify criminals and exonerate the innocent. The Society believes, however, that the use of DNA in those contexts must respect the public’s right to privacy and that DNA collection should be limited to those convicted of or reasonably suspected of having committed a serious crime.... Read More

In 2016, the Parliament of Canada debated bill S-201, the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act, which would ensure that all Canadians can benefit from genetics-based clinical advances without fear of genetic discrimination. ASHG has long supported the establishment of strong protections against genetic discrimination worldwide, and as such, advocated in favor of S-201. The bill was signed... Read More