Louise Slaughter: “scientists recently announced a breakthrough in the treatment of cancer, one of the deadliest and most common diseases…”

“scientists recently announced a breakthrough in the treatment of cancer, one of the deadliest and most common diseases plaguing humanity. A combination of two drugs has been shown to prevent tumors from spawning the growth of new blood vessels that allow the tumor to grow. The advances in genetic testing now allows us to pinpoint people who are at high risk for common cancers like breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Tragically, however, people are afraid to take those genetic tests that would allow them to take advantage of new anti-cancer drugs at the earliest possible phases of cancer. They refuse to take these tests because they fear genetic discrimination, especially in health insurance. Congress could solve the problem by passing H.R. 306, The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Health Insurance Act, which has 200 bipartisan sponsors. To date, however, we have not been able to get a schedule to vote on this proposal; and, as a result, Americans are forced to make a Hobson's choice between learning vital health information and risking their health insurance. I urge my colleagues to demand a vote on H.R. 306 to protect all of our constituents against genetic discrimination and allow them to make health decisions based on sound medical facts.”