Posted by: Derek Scholes, PhD, ASHG Director of Science Policy
We are delighted to announce that ASHG has a new policy platform! Developed with the help of members and approved by the Board of Directors, the platform articulates where ASHG stands on a variety of policy issues – which issues are of key importance and our positions on those issues. It will provide direction for the Society’s policy and advocacy activities, and will be essential for communicating our policy perspectives to lawmakers and other stakeholders.
The platform covers four different policy categories that collectively capture the broad scope of ASHG’s policy interests. They are the conduct of genetics research, genetics in healthcare practice, societal uses of genetics, and the teaching of genetics and genetic literacy. Within each of these categories are highlighted a number of key issues, together with relevant statements that the Society has published. We define key issues as those that are consistent with our mission and where we can have an influential role.
Altogether, 17 key issues are listed. Of course, it will not be possible to address all of these at the same time. Rather, we’ll focus our energies according to the evolving policy environment and the prevailing needs of members. For example, in the past month, we’ve partnered with other societies within the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology to advocate for increased funding for biomedical research on Capitol Hill, especially timely given proposed cuts to NIH funding by the Trump Administration. We have also been drumming up opposition to the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act (H.R.1313), a bill introduced last month that would fundamentally undermine important provisions in the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. Plus, we’ve been speaking out about the potential impact of proposed new travel restrictions to the U.S. on the international scientific community and the research enterprise.
In order to be successful in any of these advocacy activities, we need your help! To facilitate this, we have created a new Take Action page. Currently, you can visit the page to sign on to a letter opposing H.R.1313 and also let us know how the proposed immigration restrictions are impacting you. We’ll keep you updated as we continue to develop this.
Derek Scholes, PhD, is ASHG’s Director of Science Policy. For questions regarding ASHG’s policy and advocacy activities, email policy@ashg.org.