Council for Responsible Genetics

The Council for Responsible Genetics (CRG) is a national non-profit organization of scientists, public health advocates, and other interested members who are dedicated to promoting a comprehensive public interest agenda for biotechnology. The CRG’s mission is to educate the public about the social and environmental implications of new genetic technologies and to advocate for socially responsible use of these new technologies. The Council is committed to maintaining an information clearinghouse for journalists and citizen activists on social issues in genetics; preventing discrimination on the basis of predictive genetic tests; strengthening environmental regulation of commercial biotechnology; opposing the patenting of genetically engineered life forms; and publishing and distributing educational materials. In addition, the CRG publishes “GeneWATCH,” a national bulletin for the general public, other nonprofit organizations, policy makers, and media that is dedicated to providing updates concerning the social and environmental implications of new genetic technologies. The Council also has a web site on the Internet and publishes action alerts, briefing papers, as well as position papers on such issues as genetic discrimination, cloning, patenting of life forms, and genetically engineered foods.