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Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007

Floor Speech

Date: May 4, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Abortion


GENETIC INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2007 -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 04, 2007)

* Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R 493, the ``Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007.''

* This bill will protect people from discrimination in securing health insurance or employment based on their genetic make-up. Such discrimination is wrong and should not be tolerated. I am proud to support a bill that would outlaw it. I applaud Representative SLAUGHTER and Representative BIGGERT for their hard work in bringing this bill to the floor today.

* During consideration of H.R 493 by the Committee on Energy and Commerce, of which I am a member, a concern was raised by Representative STUPAK. The concern related to genetic discrimination dealing with embryos or fetuses, as well as adopted children and those in the process of being adopted. Like Representative STUPAK, I do not want to allow insurance companies to use genetic information to discriminate. Period.

* I worked out language with Representative STUPAK to amend H.R. 493, which addressed his concerns in a mutually acceptable way. This language says that individuals cannot be discriminated against as a result of genetic information gleaned prior to birth. It further says that women cannot be discriminated against as a result of the genetic information of a fetus, embryo, adopted child, or child they are in the process of adopting. At the same time, it does not create a new legal status or convey new legal rights to fetuses or embryos. Thus, I feel it provides the proper balance between providing protections from genetic discrimination while not addressing other non-germane issues.

* The compromise language was adopted by the full Committee on Energy and Commerce without objection during its consideration of H.R. 493. I am pleased that this language is included in the bill we are considering on the floor today.

* I encourage all Members to support H.R. 493 and I look forward to its soon becoming law.


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