Op-eds & Articles

"Reports of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated"Race and Genetics Ten Years After the Human Genome Projectby Osagie K. Obasogie, The Huffington PostJune 18th, 2010Instead of closing the door on the historically misleading notion of race-as-biology, the ten-year-old Human Genome Project has drawn new attention toward biology's role in racial categories.

UC Berkeley, Don't Send Those Swabsby Jesse Reynolds, San Francisco Chronicle June 7th, 2010UC Berkeley plans to send cotton swabs to thousands of freshmen and transfer students, for samples for DNA analysis. This plan is problematic for several reasons.

The dangers of growing DNA databasesby Osagie K. Obasogie, Los Angeles TimesApril 9th, 2010The practice of retaining genetic samples from people arrested for a crime but not convicted is growing in the U.S. It has serious human rights implications.

Reports

Responsible Federal Oversight of the New Human Biotechnologies: Opportunities for the New Administration [PDF] The Center for Genetics and Society's recommendations for the Obama Administration concerning the new human biotechnologies include 1) Immediate opportunities for policy action; 2) How Obama can reshape the debate; and 3) Issues likely to demand attention over the next four years.

Playing the Gene Card? A Report on Race and Human Biotechnologyby Osagie ObasogieAn ever-increasing number of DNA-based products are being promoted and sold. While many have important benefits, "Playing the Gene Card?" focuses on three that pose particular risks for African American and other minority communities.

Next Steps for Stem Cell Research and Related Policies [PDF]Considerations for the New AdministrationJanuary 7th, 2009The Center for Genetics and Society met on January 2 with members of the new administration's transition team to discuss its future stem cell policies.

Multimedia

FDA seeks to regulate home gene tests[with MP3 audio; Quotes CGS's Jesse Reynolds]by Gregory Warner, MarketplaceJune 11th, 2010A federal regulator is stepping into potential oversight of direct-to-consumer genetic tests.

UC Berkeley asks students for more than SAT scores – DNA[MP3 audio; Features CGS's Jesse Reynolds]by Patt Morrison, Jesse Reynolds, Mark Schlissel, The Patt Morrison ShowJune 1st, 2010Reynolds and UC Berkeley's Mark Schlissel discussed the university's controversial gene testing program on Southern California Public Radio.

Talks & Testimonies

Progress in Bioethics: Science, Policy, and Politics[Video featuring CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]Center for American ProgressJanuary 7th, 2010A special presentation at the Center for American Progress in Washington, DC to mark the publication of the anthology "Progress in Bioethics: Science, Policy, and Politics."

Submitted testimony concerning the California stem cell research programFor the "Little Hoover" Commission on California State Government Organization and Economyby Jesse ReynoldsNovember 20th, 2008Jesse Reynolds testified before the "Little Hoover" Commission on potential reforms to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Is there an emerging international consensus on the proper uses of the new human genetic technologies? Testimony of Richard Hayes before the US House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Tradeby Richard HayesJune 19th, 2008While countries differ widely in the policies they have adopted, in regard to the most consequential of these technologies, the answer is "Yes."

Fact Sheets

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Frequently Asked Questions and Fact Sheet [PDF]January 9th, 2009The Center for Genetics and Society has released a briefing document to assist reporters and others in preparation of the expected announcement of a new federal policy.

College-age Women, Donor Eggs, and Assisted Reproduction [PDF]September 6th, 2007A one-page overview of the provision of eggs for reproduction by college women

Program on Gender, Justice, and Human Genetics [PDF]July 13th, 2006A one-page overview of CGS's Program on Gender, Justice, and Human Genetics.

Annual Reports

2008 Report on Activities [PDF]February 25th, 2009

2007 Report on Activities [PDF]January 16th, 2008

2006 Annual Report [PDF]March 15th, 2007