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
H.R.1313, the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act, a 2017 bill, would fundamentally undermine privacy provisions of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Related: Group Letter to House Leaders Opposing H.R. 1313 (March 2017) Letter to House Leaders Opposing H.R. 1313 (March 2017) Press Release: ASHG Opposes H.R. 1313,... Read More
After GINA’s passage in May 2008, ASHG responded to a Federal Register Request for Information on issues related to the law’s implementation. ASHG provided comment on definitions that would ensure the regulations keep pace with scientific and clinical advances, and clarified that data collected prior to GINA’s passage should still be covered by the law.... Read More
ASHG has supported efforts to prevent genetic discrimination since the 1990s, including the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), enacted in 2008. One such early bill was Senate Bill 318, the Genetic Nondiscrimination and Health Insurance and Employment Act. Related: ASHG Board Endorses the Genetic Nondiscrimination and Health Insurance and Employment Act (December 2001) Read More
Most traits are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. In a 1995 background statement, ASHG considers how genetic testing results should be used in insurance, if at all, as well as associated ethical and policy questions. Related: ASHG Background Statement on Genetic Testing and Insurance (January 1995) Read More