What to say when calling your representative:

<<Introduce yourself, indicating that you are a constituent.>>

Hi, my name is <<your name>>, and I am a constituent of Representative <<representative’s name>>.

<<Introduce the issue that you would like to discuss and state your opinion.>>

Could I please speak to the Congressman's/Congresswoman's health aide about H.R.1227, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act?

<<Wait for the health aide or they may be ready to hear you immediately.>>

I am calling to urge you to make the protection of genetic information a priority and to sign on to H.R.1227.

<<Explain why this bill is important to you. Include one or two of the talking points that most appeal to you (below).>>

Why this federal legislation necessary:

• 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.
• Fear of genetic discrimination is 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.
• The current lack of a comprehensive legal framework related to genetic discrimination leaves insurers and employers open to costly, unregulated lawsuits.

<<If possible, include a personal experience/story.>>

<<Ask your representative to cosponsor the bill>>

Will you cosponsor H.R.1227?

<<Answer any questions they might have. If you don’t know the answer, be honest. Simply offer to send them the information or refer them to an individual or organization who could provide them with an answer (The Coalition for Genetic Fairness (202.966.5557 ext. 206) or Brian Petersen in Congresswoman Judy Biggert’s office (202.225.3515) are both good resources).>>

<<Thank them for their time.>>

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns. I hope that you will make the passage of this important legislation a priority.

<<Email policy@geneticalliance.org and tell us about your experience.>>