Coalition Applauds House Introduction of Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act

Main Category: Genetics
Article Date: 10 Mar 2005 - 0:00 PDT

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USA - Today, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress introduced the "Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2005," which seeks to prohibit improper use of genetic information for workforce and insurance decisions. The bill, identical to S. 306 which passed the Senate by a vote of 98-0 in the 109th Congress, was introduced by Representatives Judy Biggert (R-IL), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Bob Ney (R-OH), and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and includes a strong group of bipartisan cosponsors.

"This is an exciting and hopeful time for genetic medicine," stated Sharon Terry, President/CEO of the Genetic Alliance and Chair of the Coalition for Genetic Fairness. "It is imperative, however, to ensure that the public can take full advantage of new medical advances that could help prevent disease before it develops. Genetic nondiscrimination legislation will reduce the likelihood of genetic information being misused in health insurance or employment decision-making."

While the extraordinary breakthrough in the sequencing of the human genome introduces vast opportunities for medical progress, the Genetic Information Non Discrimination Act is necessary to allow individuals to take full advantage of these opportunities. This legislation is crucial to continuing the progress made in not only promoting the use of genetics to inform medical care and research, but also to ensuring that individuals feel protected when participating in clinical trials and other research activities. Current federal and state laws provide a patchwork of protections to prevent employers and insurers from denying health coverage or job opportunities on the basis of genetic information. This legislation will clarify how genetic information must be protected in both an insurance and employment setting.

"We praise Representatives Judy Biggert (R-IL), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Bob Ney (R-OH), and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) for their tremendous leadership on this bill and their commitment to ensuring adequate protections against genetic discrimination," affirmed J. Brian Munroe, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy for Millennium Pharmaceuticals and Co-Chair of the Personalized Medicine Coalition, "and we urge the House leadership to prioritize this important legislation."

The Coalition for Genetic Fairness is an alliance of industry, voluntary health agencies, provider organizations, academia, and employer-employee interests created to urge Congress to pass comprehensive federal legislation prohibiting genetic discrimination. The Coalition was founded by several national organizations and today represents thousands of Americans working together to promote strong federal protections against genetic discrimination.

Coalition for Genetic Fairness
4301 Connecticut Avenue
NW Suite 404
Washington DC 20008-2369
Contact:
Serena Lowe
202-312-7410

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