National Society of Genetic Counselors Supports the Senate's Passage of Genetic Non-Discrimination Bill, USA

Main Category: Genetics
Article Date: 22 Feb 2005 - 9:00 PDT

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The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) fully supports the Senate's passage of the Genetic Non- Discrimination Bill (S.306). Fear of genetic discrimination has been a factor preventing individuals and families at risk for genetic disease from pursuing valuable testing and participation in research. NSGC believes that the passage of this bill will alleviate these fears.

"Genetic counselors regularly work with families who are concerned about the effect that genetic test results, whether in a research or clinical setting, might have on their ability to obtain health or life insurance," explained Kelly E. Ormond, MS, CGC, president of NSGC. "We are pleased that the Senate has again shown strong support in unanimously passing federal genetic non-discrimination legislation. Our organization believes this legislation is critical for society to be able to take full advantage of the technologies developed by the human genome project."

NSGC is the leading voice, authority and advocate for the genetic counseling profession. Membership represents more than 2,000 masters-level health professionals, most of whom provide direct patient care (totaling over one million visits per year). Members are employed in a wide range of clinical care, academic, research and biotechnology settings, and are located in every state of the U.S. and internationally. The organization is committed to ensuring that the public has access to genetic counseling and genetic testing without fear of genetic discrimination.

For more information about the National Society of Genetic Counselors, visit http://www.nsgc.org.

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