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Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act Briefing
with Rep. Judy Biggert
Coalition for Genetic Fairness' June 29th Event a Success

Rep. Judy Biggert addresses the Coalition

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.

Sharon Terry, president of Genetic Alliance, introduces Rep. Biggert.

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.

Jennifer Leib, Affymetrix, asks what else her company can do to help move the Bill. Becky Fischer, breast cancer survivor, listens with interest, concerned for her daughter who is positive for the BRCA1 mutation.

Filmmaker Joanna Rudnick discusses her documentary.

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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