The Positive Gene Podcast3 Des 2025

Your Genes Shouldn’t Be Patented: The Urgent Fight Over PERA with FORCE Public Policy Leader, Lisa Schlager

Episode Summary

This special, urgent episode of The Positive Gene Podcast steps outside our normal publishing schedule because the stakes could not be higher. Congress is considering the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA) — a bill that would once again allow companies to patent human genes and biomarkers, reversing the 2013 Supreme Court decision that made genetic testing more accessible, competitive, and affordable.

Host Sara Kavanaugh, a Lynch Syndrome (MSH6) and CHEK2 previvor, sits down with Lisa Schlager, FORCE’s Vice President of Public Policy, to break down:

What PERA is
Why it poses a threat to patients, families, and future research
How gene patents have harmed patients in the past
What returning to a monopoly system would mean for access, cost, and innovation
Why Congress is considering this right now
And — most importantly — what you can do in minutes to help stop it

If PERA becomes law, a single company could control testing for specific genes, raise prices, restrict access, block research, and impact the lives of millions of families navigating hereditary cancer risk and rare diseases.

This issue is time-sensitive, with Congress heading into holiday recess.

Your voice is needed now. See links to FORCE's advocacy action center to easily email your legislators!

Resources Mentioned
- FORCE's Advocacy Action Center - Email Your Legislators
- FORCE's Policy & Advocacy Page - Learn more here
- Find Your Congressional Legislator here
- Oppose PERA. - Prewritten Social Posts from FORCE
- Email Lisa Schlager: lisas@facingourrisk.org
- Positive Gene Podcast Blog - read full transcript here
- Connect with Sara on Instagram @positivegenepodcast

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