Rep. Courtney, House Pass 'Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act'

Press Release

Congressman Courtney voted in favor of H.R. 493, The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) of 2007, which would protect individuals from discrimination in health insurance and employment on the basis of genetic information.

"As technology and science continue to develop, the public needs to know that their genetic information will not be used to impede health care coverage or employment," stated Courtney. "Without these protections, scientific research would be halted, injuring scientific advancement to help end deadly diseases."

These protections will have implications for encouraging individuals to participate in genetic research, and to take advantage of genetic testing, new technologies and new therapies. This could lead to better prevention, treatment and possible cures for the many diseases our nation and the world struggles with, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Congressman Courtney has been a longtime supporter of medical research and ending health care discrimination. Most recently, Congressman Courtney led 179 Members of Congress in an effort to fully fund the National Institute of Health (NIH) - the federal government's research agency.

In 2007, individuals and organizations in Connecticut received over $469,206,694 through 1,200 research grants from the NIH.

Source