Public Policy

ASHG supports policies that promote genetic and genomic data sharing to advance research and health care with strong protections in place for genetic information. The Society is concerned that a provision in the Senate-passed U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA, S.1260), that requires NIH to consider national security risks in the conduct of human genomic... Read More

A draft bill introduced in May 2019 sought to reform Section 101 of the U.S. Patent Act. If passed, the legislation would allow for the patenting of genes by effectively overturning the 2013 Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) vs. Myriad Supreme Court decision. Related: Joint Letter from ASHG and ACMG Leadership to Bill Sponsors (July... Read More

Genetics research is providing remarkable insights into the human genome and how this knowledge can be translated into healthcare advances. This scientific progress relies on continued public investment in biomedical research. ASHG supports the robust, predictable, sustainable federal funding of research to fuel scientific advances. Related: Written Testimony to Senate Appropriations LHHS Subcommittee (May 2023)... Read More

A new report commissioned by ASHG examines how human genetics and genomics is growing the U.S. economy and becoming increasingly integrated in healthcare and society. The new report, titled “The Economic Impact and Functional Applications of Human Genetics and Genomics,” indicates that the human genetics and genomics sector contributes $265 billion to the U.S. economy... Read More