Fw: FYI-Genetic Non-Discrimination Legislation moves forward

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Lawmakers mobilize to prevent genetic bias

Friday, June 8, 2001

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- With the issue already in the courts, lawmakers Thursday moved to

build momentum behind legislation to prohibit employers and insurance companies

from using people's DNA to discriminate in hiring, promotions, or healthcare

coverage.

" The science of genetic testing is progressing rapidly. The problem is that the

law is not, " said Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., in his first appearance promoting a

specific bill since becoming Senate majority leader Wednesday.

New genetic research may make it possible to identify an individual's lifetime

risk for cancer, heart attack, and other diseases. Lawmakers worry that this

information could be used to discriminate against people.

" Medical breakthroughs in recent years on the genetic basis of disease give us

an extraordinary opportunity to improve the health of millions of Americans, "

said Sen. M. Kennedy, D-Mass., the new chairman of the Senate Health

Committee. " Without this legislation, the blessings of new science will be a

curse. "

The senators argued that employers and insurers could discriminate against job

applicants and deny insurance coverage to people who are deemed to be at greater

risk of developing chronic disease, based on genetic testing.

" Discrimination based on genetic factors is just as unacceptable as

discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, or disability, " Daschle

said.

Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., said the bill now has 250 members of the House

behind it. Daschle said hearings could be scheduled in the Senate before the

August recess.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed its first suit challenging

genetic testing earlier this year in U.S. District Court in the Northern

District of Iowa. The suit alleges that Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad

conducted genetic testing on employees without their permission.

A survey of 2,133 employers this year by the American Management Association

found that seven are using genetic testing for job applicants or employees, the

journal Science reported.

" As genetic testing becomes more affordable and more common, the incidence of

discrimination is likely to increase dramatically, " Daschle said.

The Senate passed a similar measure last year as part of an appropriations bill,

but the provision was removed later.

Copyright © 2001 North Jersey Media Group Inc.

Diane E. Dorman, Sr. Dir. for Public Policy

National Organization For Rare Disorders - Washington Office

3907 Blackburn Lane, #22, Burtonsville, MD 20866

Office/, Fax/, Cell/

ddorman@...