News
Browse through this section to see our latest news items.
Non-invasive prenatal testing
Read the HGC's conclusions about the new technique of free fetal DNA testing
"I worry about the chance of genetic discrimination in the future. It needs tight controls"
Read more comments from the public on three topical issues surrounding DNA testing
Direct genetic testing in the news
'Rival genetic tests leave buyers confused' - Sunday Times article
HGC seeks new Chair and 8 Commissioners
The HGC is seeking to appoint a new Chair and eight Commissioners to replace those who retire from the Commission at the end of 2008
HGC statement on Government response to Single Equality Bill
The HGC has published a statement on the Government's response to the Single Equality Bill.
Live HGC Consultation
Forensic DNA Databases (closes 7 November)
Citizens' Inquiry calls for more public information and more oversight of National DNA Database
The release of the Citizens' Inquiry conclusions marks the start of a wider consultation for the HGC
The 6th HGC Annual Report
Download your copy!
HGC gives oral evidence to House of Lords Genomic Medicine Inquiry
John Sulston, Christine Patch and Frances Flinter gave evidence on behalf of the HGC to the House of Lords Science and Technology Sub-committee inquiry on Genomic Medicine
HGC seminar on genetic tests sold directly to the public a success
A seminar involving commercial genetic test providers concludes with support for industry guidelines for genetic tests sold directly to the public
HGC welcomes announcement of extension to insurance moratorium but further protections needed
The HGC today welcomed the ABI's announcement of an extension to the moratorium on the use of predictive genetic test results in insurance but called for further protections
HGC submission to OECD on Biobanks
HGC response to the OECD consultation on guidelines for Human Biobanks and Genetic Research Databases
HGC quoted in Lancet article
The HGC's concerns regarding private genetic tests are highlighted in an article in the Lancet.
HGC 'exceptional value for money'
The HGC has received a ringing endorsement from Ministers following an independent review
HGC submits evidence to House of Lords Genomic Medicine Inquiry
HGC has produced a written submission to the House of Lords Science & Technology Committee's Genomic Medicine Inquiry
Exhibition visitors inform HGC discussions
The views of visitors to a new touring exhibition will contribute to the HGC's discussions on a variety of issues
Embryo research and the HFE Bill
Read the HGC's statement on the creation of human-animal 'admixed' embryos for research
HGC responds to Ministry of Justice consultation
HGC responds to Ministry of Justice consultation on the use and sharing of personal information
HGC Citizens' Inquiry into forensic use of DNA gets underway
HGC announces the appointment of Blackburn based Vis-a-Vis RC Ltd to facilitate the Inquiry, which will involve up to two hundred people at group sessions in Birmingham and Glasgow
HGC calls for regulation of direct-to-public tests
Britain could be on the verge of an explosion of genetic tests sold directly to the public. Yet there are virtually no independent checks on the tests before they are put on sale, says the HGC in its new report, More Genes Direct.
HGC statement on private genetic tests
The HGC has responded to concerns raised about private genetic testing services promoted in the media
HGC responds to the MHRA consultation
HGC responds to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency's Consultation on the Challenges and Priorities for the next five years
Consultative Panel
The HGC is looking for people to join its consultative panel to help inform its advice to government on genetics issues.
HGC welcomes Report on forensic use of DNA
HGC welcomes Nuffield Report on the forensic use of bioinformation
HGC responds to the Discrimination Law Review
The HGC has called on the Government to consider legislating now to prohibit unfair genetic discrimination.
Helena Kennedy steps down as HGC Chair
Helena Kennedy has announced that she is to step down as chair of the HGC. Sir John Sulston has taken her place as acting chair.
Meeting between HGC and the Equalities Office
HGC Commissioners met with officials from the Government Equalities Office to discuss the consultation on the Single Equality Bill. The HGC response to the consultation will be discussed at the September Plenary in Durham.
HGC leaflets available
The HGC has produced an informative leaflet which explains the role and function of the Commission
HGC's Citizens' Inquiry latest
Six Tenders received for Citizen's Inquiry.
HGC responds to HFEA consultation
Read the HGCs response to the HFEA on the use of human/animal hybrid embryos in research
HGC responds to PACE review
HGC responds to the Home Office review 'Modernising Police Powers - Review of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 Consultation Paper'
HGC backs hybrid embryo research
Read the HGC's website statement
Baroness Kennedy welcomes DNA testing ban
The new criminal offence to take a sample from someone to test their DNA without their consent.
Podcasts of HGC's Plenary Meetings
You can listen to Podcast recordings of the HGC's Plenary Meetings
Media Enquiries
Pat Wilson is the Commission's Communications Adviser. For media enquiries only, he can be contacted on 0208 675 1066.
In his absence please ring the HGC Secretariat on 0207 972 1518.
Full contact details may also be found on the Contact us page