OUR WORK

Humanizing tomorrow’s genetic technologies through dialogue today.

Policy

Generations Ahead organizes broad and cross-movement responses to policies related to genetic technologies. We bring together a diverse number of groups to work together on policy issues that can often divide social justice organizations. Generations Ahead 1) Identifies what groups will be affected 2) Gathers background materials 3) Hosts conference calls to begin the dialogue 4) Determines shared values and agenda 5) Coordinates response.

January 20, 2009

MEMO TO PRESIDENT OBAMA: Responsible Uses of Human Biotechnologies in the Twenty-First Century

Generations Ahead supports the Obama administration’s commitment to transparency and participation in government decision-making and policies. We urge the administration to include multiple and diverse stakeholders in any discussions about genetic technologies, ethics and policies. We ask for an ongoing dialogue between important interest groups and the government using the tools of Community Representation, Public Consultations and Impact Assessments.

Read full memo to President Obama (PDF) »

October 08, 2008

RESPONSE: Pre-natally and Post-natally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act, SB 1810

The signed law requires that families who receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome or any other condition, pre-natally or up until a year after birth, will be given up-to-date information about the nature of the condition and connection with support services and networks that could offer assistance.

Generations Ahead lead a cross-movement response – the World Institute on Disability, the National Women’s Health Network, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, and the Reproductive Health Technologies Project – to show that the Act was an opportunity to move beyond the narrow terrain of disability rights versus reproductive choice.

Read full response (PDF) »

September 23, 2008

RESPONSE: Susan B. Anthony Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, H.R. 7016

The proposed law would impose a fine and/or up to a five-year prison sentence on anyone who “performs an abortion knowing that such abortion is sought based on the sex, gender, color or race of the child, or the race of a parent of that child” or threatens or forces another to undergo such an abortion.

Generations Ahead along with Sister Song and National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) mobilized a diverse array of groups to respond: coordinated a conference call, co-authored a letter to Congress signed by multiple organizations, and coordinated a strategy session to counter Franks’ bill.

Read full response (PDF) »