2000 Presidential Address to the National Society of Genetic Counselors

The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) and the genetics community in general have experienced a year of unprecedented activity. The first rough draft of our genome has been completed. Think about the enormity of that statement—The first rough draft of our genome has been completed. This has truly been a banner year. The NSGC, and many of its members, has been quoted in print and television news, featured in documentaries, and acted as advisors to legislators at both the state and federal levels. We have gained access to federal committees, to lobbying groups, and to international genetics federations. Counselors in California will soon have the ability to apply for licensure, and will enjoy the exclusive use of the title “genetic counselor” in their state. We have engaged a marketing firm which will spearhead our efforts to raise awareness of the services we provide, of the growing need for those services as the secrets of the genome are unraveled, and of our leadership in the genetics community. These achievements are extraordinary, and can be attributed to the commitment of past presidents, past and current board members, but equally importantly, to those in our membership who have assumed leadership roles in their communities and within our society. These successes must be tempered, however, by the tasks we have yet to accomplish. Many of our colleagues continue to have difficulty obtaining reimbursement for the services they provide, or work for centers that have decided to abandon attempts to obtain reimbursement for genetic counseling. Many members work every day in fear of losing their positions. Our patients have yet to enjoy protection from genetic discrimination in their workplaces and the Americans with Disabilities Act has been severely limited by recent Supreme Court decisions. Our patients’ right of reproductive freedom is in grave peril, and could be lost with the