Filmmaker Voices Concerns about Gene Patents

At age 27, Chicago-based writer and film producer Joanna Rudnick tested positive for the BRCA genetic mutation associated with breast and ovarian cancer. She subsequently produced a documentary, “In the Family,” about her personal experience. During the ASCP Annual Meeting in Chicago, Ms. Rudnick will show highlights of the film and explore family history, genetic testing, surgical options, and patents on the BRCA1/2 genes, which ASCP opposes as a plaintiff in a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union again Myriad Genetics and the U.S. Patent Office. Hear Ms. Rudnick speak on Friday, Oct. 30, at 3 p.m., Huron Room, 2nd Level of the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers. To read a full synopsis, interviews with Joanna and other information about the documentary, visit www.pbs.org/pov/inthefamily.