U.S. human genetics association apologizes for its historical behavior

2023/01/30 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Genetika
• Berdintasuna
• Etika

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The US Human Genetics Association. ASHG has issued a statement apologizing for the discriminatory and eugenic practices that have taken place throughout history and the principles governing the future in a fair and equitable manner.

The ASHG has recognized in the past that some genetic research has been part of the American eugenic movement and has served to promote discriminatory attitudes against certain ethnic groups, origins or affective sexual tendencies. It also acknowledges that it has taken a long time to introduce equity, diversity and inclusion into the values and projects of the partnership and has lost the opportunity to deny erroneous and unfair communication on certain communities.

In any case, ASHG believes that genetic research can be of great help in advancing science, health and society. And it has made a number of commitments, some immediate and others for the future, fair and equitable. Firstly, it socialises the report on past mistakes and gaps. In addition, it will take these values into account in all projects and programmes, ensure that misconduct does not occur and encourage the participation of scientists from communities in situations of exclusion. Finally, it will promote the right leaders and eliminate the genetics that have intervened in the eugenic movement the denominations and recognition of the past by ASHG.

Looking to the future, they call on all individuals, organisations and companies involved in genetic research to make their contributions to fair and equitable research and against misconduct. Among them, the transmission of these values to novice researchers, the impulse of responsible communication, the denunciation of erroneous behaviors, etc.

Finally, the ASHG has confirmed that genetic research is beneficial to humanity and that it will take into account and value human diversity.