BIPOC genetic counselors' reflections on the impact of sociopolitical events in 2025: A brief report from a longitudinal qualitative study

In 2025, widespread sociopolitical changes in the United States deeply influenced the experiences of healthcare professionals, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) genetic counselors. Cascading harms, including economic instability, healthcare policy changes, and restrictive immigration and reproductive measures, affected marginalized communities across the country, intersecting with existing social determinants of health. This brief report presents qualitative findings from semi-structured interviews conducted with participants who were enrolled in a longitudinal study about the experiences of BIPOC genetic counselors. The 25 participants were recruited from North American genetic counseling programs in 2022 and interviewed regularly throughout their training and after graduating. These results pertain to one specific question participants were asked in November/December 2025 about how sociopolitical policies had impacted them in their personal or professional lives. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we found that financial strains, changes in insurance and telehealth regulations, and anti-immigration enforcement created barriers to patient care. Distrust and privacy concerns regarding genetic data impacted patient care and research projects. These sociopolitical changes and systemic inequities created emotional burdens for participants, negatively impacting their well-being. While complex and systemic in nature, these challenges underscore the need for genetic counselors and genetic counseling organizations to acknowledge the broader context affecting patients and colleagues, promote supportive environments and dialogue, and advocate for equitable policies. This brief report offers timely insight into how 2025 has impacted the lives of BIPOC genetic counselors.