In March 2010, a federal district court ruled that the patents on two human genes relating to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer are invalid. While this was a significant victory for women's health and scientific freedom, the fight against gene patents is far from over. Myriad Genetics, a biotechnology company, filed an appeal with the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in June, asserting that it has the right to patent the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

We will continue to challenge these patents in court, but our lawsuit is not the only way we're fighting against gene patents. Join in our public education and outreach campaign to stop the patenting of human genes. Learn about it. Spread the word. And take action.

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LEARN AND SHARE Read up:  Scientists, Pundits and Journos Weigh In: Don't Patent Our Genes (media round-up)  Tell Congress: My Genes Aren't For Sale  ACLU website on Gene Patents and the lawsuit Watch:  60 Minutes feature story: Patented Genes (April 4, 2010)  Huffington Post: Joanna Rudnick's Video Interview With Myriad CEO  ACLU video: Liberate the Breast Cancer Genes Download and Distribute:  FAQ: Legal Challenge to Patenting of Human Genes  Patents on Human Genes: A Patient's Perspective  Genes and Patents Q&A

TAKE ACTION AND SPREAD THE WORD

Become a fan of our Facebook page
Don't Patent My Genes! Liberate the Beast Cancer Genes 

Tell Congress your genes aren't for sale
Representative Xavier Becerra (D-CA) introduced H.R. 977, the "Genomic Research and Accessibility Act" during the 110th Congress to bar the issuance of gene patents. He would like to reintroduce a new version of the bill, but needs your help. Representative Becerra needs support from colleagues on both sides of the aisle if his bill has any chance of being enacted.
Send a message to lawmakers 

Write Blogs and Letters to the Editor
 A blogpost by Barbara Brenner, Executive Director of Breast Cancer Action, is one example

Tell us your story
If you have gotten the BRCA genetic test or seriously considered getting tested, please share your experience with us through this survey