Resolution on Eugenics
The following resolution was enthusiastically endorsed by the members present at the 1998 Business meeting and was ratified by an overwhelming majority of the members at large by mailed vote in January 1999:
Members of the International Genetic Epidemiology Society take cognizance of the urgent need felt by many countries to influence reproduction through education and taxation. As human biologists who are committed to non-directive counseling and remember the bitter lesson of eugenics movements in this century, we urge that efforts to influence reproduction be non-coercive and that they not be based on real or imagined genetic differences among populations.
To further discussion on bioethics and policy issues related to the field of genetic epidemiology, IGES announces the formation of a Committee on Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues. Readers interested in raising issues for consideration by the committee are invited to communicate their views in writing to the ELSI Chair. Additional members will be appointed in the future; IGES members with an active interest in this area who would like to be considered should contact the Chair.