December 6, 2005
Protect Consumers: Ask Your Representative to Co-Sponsor the
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
Action Needed
Please contact your U.S. Representative to co-sponsor the
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (H.R. 1227). A draft
e-mail is available at http://63.66.87.48/cweb4/index.cfm?orgcode=NASW
Background
Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) introduced the Genetic
Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2005 (H.R. 1227) on March
10, 2005 to address these problems. Companion legislation already
passed the U.S. Senate unanimously in February and President
Bush has publicly supported the legislation in a Statement
of Administrative Policy.
Genetic discrimination is a growing problem; instances of
genetic discrimination in both insurance and employment have
been documented. Fear of genetic discrimination is causing
individuals to forego potentially lifesaving genetic testing.
It is also discouraging individuals from participating in clinical
trials; thus, slowing the development of new treatments. A
federal law would create a national uniform standard, ensuring
that all Americans—regardless of location—would
receive the same minimum protections. (This federal law would
not preempt existing or future state laws.) The current lack
of a comprehensive legal framework related to genetic discrimination
leaves insurers and employers open to costly, unregulated lawsuits.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2005 would
prohibit health insurers and employers from discriminating
against an individual based on his genetic information. Specifically,
H.R. 1227 would:
- Prohibit insurers in both the group and individual
health insurance market from “requesting or requiring” genetic
testing of an individual or his family.
- Prohibit insurers from using genetic information
to determine eligibility or establish premiums.
- Prohibit employers, including employment agencies
and labor organizations, from “requesting or requiring” genetic
testing of an individual or his family.
- Prohibit employers from using genetic information
to make hiring or promotional decisions, or when determining
eligibility for training programs.
Thank you for your advocacy
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