Gordon Votes To Prohibit Genetic Discrimination
April 25, 2007, WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon voted today for legislation that would prevent employers and health insurance providers from discriminating against individuals based on their DNA.
“We have made great strides in improving medical diagnosis and treatment based on genetic information, but that same information also opens the door for potential misuse by employers and insurance companies,” said Gordon, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee.
“A woman shouldn’t be denied health care insurance just because a genetic test says she’s at risk for developing breast cancer. A man shouldn’t be denied employment opportunities because he has a higher genetic risk of heart disease. This bill will help to prevent those types of discrimination.”
Gordon co-sponsored the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which would prohibit group health plans and insurance providers from requiring genetic testing or discriminating based on an individual’s receipt or request of genetic testing.
The bill would also prevent employers from using genetic information to discriminate against individuals or deprive them of employment opportunities.
