Perspectives

Building on ASHG’s commitment to support debate in our field and dialog with the public, this series offer timely, concise ASHG perspectives that have been prioritized by the Board of Directors on topics in research, health, and society. It addresses how scientific research informs those issues and may assert ASHG policy positions or note important related field activities.

Advancing Research and Privacy Protections

September 05, 2019

The responsible use of large-scale data to advance genetics and genomics research incorporates protections preserving the confidentiality of personal genetic information. ASHG asserts core privacy principles should be applied to all research, regardless of the funding source. Related: AJHG Perspective: Advancing Research and Privacy: Achievements, Challenges, and Core Principles (September 2019) Press Release: ASHG Asserts... Read More

Prohibiting Genetic Discrimination

January 02, 2019

Protections against genetic discrimination advance genetics research and the clinical use of genetics, as well as ensure the ethical use of genetic data. Ten years after the passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), ASHG remains a staunch advocate for GINA’s strong implementation and for other laws that enhance protections for the public. Related:... Read More

Denouncing the Misuse of Genetics

November 01, 2018

ASHG denounces the misuse of genetics to feed racist ideologies, and affirms that the research community should be clear about genetic knowledge related to ancestry and genomic diversity. Any attempt to use genetics to rank populations demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of genetics. Related: AJHG Perspective: ASHG Denounces Attempts to Link Genetics and Racial Supremacy (November... Read More