Letter

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

Genetic counselors are a key part of the delivery of genetic testing in healthcare across the United States, and it is essential that their services are accessible to patients. ASHG strongly supports the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act. Related: ASHG News: H.R. 7083: Improving Access to Genetic Counseling (December 2018) Letter to House Leaders... Read More

ASHG supports policies that enable a productive and safe working environment for all scientific professionals. The Society is committed to promoting a harassment-free workplace for geneticists, and believes that science can only achieve its goals when we are able to fully engage the minds, talent, and perspectives of all who wish to participate. Related: Letter... 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

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