Working to pass Genetic Nondiscrimination Legislation |
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act Briefing
The Coalition for Genetic Fairness’ June 29th Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) briefing with Representative Judy Biggert (IL-13) was a tremendous success. Approximately 50 Coalition members, congressional staffers, and industry representatives assembled in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, along with filmmakers from Kartemquin Films who captured the event as part of an upcoming documentary.
Genetic Alliance’s president, Sharon Terry, welcomed the guests and introduced Congresswoman Biggert, the lead sponsor of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (H.R.1227), whose bold leadership has made her a champion in the fight against genetic discrimination. Congresswoman Biggert presented a status report on GINA, trumpeting the news that 220 representatives have signed on as cosponsors of the bill. Having amassed cosponsorships from the majority of members in the House, the Congresswoman went on to say that she hopes that this new momemtum will help the bill move to a vote in the coming months, as the protections offered in the legislation are critically important for all Americans. Following her speech, Congresswoman Biggert addressed questions from the audience and was presented with an award from the Coalition for Genetic Fairness for her leadership and dedication.
Filmmaker Joanna Rudnick also addressed the audience and shared her personal story of genetic testing and her upcoming film In the Family. Joanna, like so many other Americans, expressed fear that her test results could be used for discriminatory purposes. She also shared her hope that In the Family will be an effective public education tool on the importance of eliminating genetic discrimination. As the meeting drew to a close, the Kartemquin team played an emotional preview of their film, which is tentatively scheduled for broadcast in the fall of 2007. Coalition members left the event empowered in the fight for GINA and committed to seek further support for this important legislation.
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