In overdue acknowledgment that preserving the right to reproductive freedom is vitally important to the field of genetic counseling, NSGC formed the Task Force on Reproductive Freedom, Access and Justice in July 2021. This group includes representation from the Board of Directors, Prenatal SIG, Public Policy Committee, Advocacy Coordinating Committee and NSGC membership. It is charged with drafting recommendations for a long-term strategy for NSGC to address reproductive justice issues and empower political advocacy to address any legislation that threatens access to abortion.
The short-term charges focus on resource identification and member communication. The Task Force has vetted and organized resources that will be housed on a member-only page on the NSGC website. The goal is to provide a central location for resources that empower our members to address pending legislation on a local level. Additionally, the task force continues to consider recommendations for an efficient communication strategy that ensures members are kept up to date.
As outlined in the medium-term charges, the Task Force is currently focused on discussions surrounding NSGC’s unique voice in supporting reproductive decision-making in the context of the organization’s mission and values. Specifically, recommendations regarding revision of the Reproductive Freedom position statement are in draft. These will be provided to the board of directors for consideration this month. Additional near-term work will focus on (1) recommendations for high-level strategic messages that members can utilize when discussing NSGC and the genetic counseling community’s roles in advocating for reproductive justice and (2) identifying opportunities for collaboration with other organizations impacted by state abortion laws where NSGC and NSGC members can provide our unique perspective and support a synergistic approach.
What can you do? As the Task Force continues this important work, we encourage all members who want to immediately engage in these conversations and advocacy to consider visiting the Genuine Collective website to learn more about how genetic counselors can work together to make a difference now and in the future. We look forward to providing you with more resources in the near future.
See below for information on GENUINE:
Are you a genetics professional feeling stunned or dismayed by relentless attacks on reproductive rights and abortion access in the United States? If you'd like to get involved in reproductive healthcare advocacy efforts on the local and/or national level, please consider joining the GENUINE (Genetics Providers United in Efforts for Reproductive Justice) Collective.
The GENUINE Collective is an independent group of genetic professionals dedicated to advocacy for reproductive justice. The ultimate goals of the Collective are to:
- Amplify grassroots reproductive justice work to genetics professionals,
- Enact change to the manner in which reproductive justice issues are taught in genetic counseling graduate programs, and
- Create a mechanism in which abortion research at the intersection of clinical genetics and public health is financially prioritized within our community.
Additionally, GENUINE hosts an open discussion forum for Collective members to connect and collaborate.
We depend on volunteers from all people, groups, communities and perspectives, and welcome critical feedback on ways in which to promote and sustainably maintain an inclusive, diverse and equitable space devoted to reproductive justice work. All members of the Collective are equal players, and we want you to join us in defending and promoting reproductive justice in the U.S.
NSGC Headquarters promotes the professional interests of genetic counselors and provides a network for professional communications. Access to continuing education opportunities, professional resources, advocacy and the discussion of all issues relevant to human genetics and the genetic counseling profession are an integral part of belonging to the NSGC.