Advocacy

ASHG President David Nelson wrote in support of a U.S. bill to expand access to genetic counseling services for Medicare beneficiaries. Read More

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

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

ASHG supports state licensure of certified genetic counselors to help ensure that the public has access to genetic and genomic services provided by qualified health professionals. The rapidly expanding use of genomics in healthcare decisions will increase the need for qualified genetics professionals, and genetic counselors play an important role in treating patients and families.... Read More