Louise Slaughter: “Americans are growing increasingly aware that the most intimate information they possess about themselves, their health…”

“Americans are growing increasingly aware that the most intimate information they possess about themselves, their health information, is not only unprotected, but freely shared among corporate and other interests. I am particularly concerned about the security of genetic information. With the recent completion of the rough draft of the human genome, increasing numbers of people will consider taking genetic tests to learn more about their future health. But unless we protect the privacy of this information, people will refuse to take the genetic tests or even to participate in the research. We then risk having billions of dollars spent on genetic research go to waste and the enormous promise of this research to go unfulfilled. Right now, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is holding a hearing on genetic discrimination in employment. Shamefully, the House of Representatives has never held a single hearing on genetic discrimination, and we cannot afford to waste any more time. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 2457, the Genetic Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance and Employment Act, and please sign discharge petition No. 11 to bring this bill to the House floor for a vote immediately.”