The passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) signals the beginning of a new era for healthcare—one where individuals can put their health concerns first, and obstacles to the proactive management of health are eliminated. For us to realize the benefits of GINA’s passage and the phenomenal advances being made in genetics and genomics, we must confront the reality that public policy decisions related to the translation of these advances into treatments and services that improve human health have not yet been made.

Furthermore, the outcome of the Presidential Election has sparked great changes in healthcare policy. Proposals for healthcare reform will soon enter the policymaking process, and we will be closer than ever to finding solutions to systemic problems such as the uninsured, the rising costs of healthcare, and the implementation of health information technology. As these efforts come to fruition, we must ensure that the benefits of integrating genetics into health management are realized.

Learn more about Genetic Alliance’s activities in health reform

The genetics community has voiced that the issues below are of utmost importance. Please click on an issue for a brief overview and to learn more about how Genetic Alliance takes a leadership role.

• Gene patenting
• Genetic discrimination
• Genetic testing
• Health information technology
• Health reform
• Newborn screening
• Open access to NIH-funded research
• Privacy of health information

Furthermore, on a regular basis, Genetic Alliance surveys the genetics community to learn what current policy issues are most important to all stakeholders.

View the most recent survey results.