Genetic Counselors Supports the Senate's Passage of Genetic Non-Discrimination Bill, USA

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Medical News Today 22 Feb 2005

National Society of Genetic Counselors Supports the Senate's Passage of Genetic

Non-Discrimination Bill, USA

The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) fully supports the Senate's

passage of the Genetic Non- Discrimination Bill (S.306). Fear of genetic

discrimination has been a factor preventing individuals and families at risk for

genetic disease from pursuing valuable testing and participation in research.

NSGC believes that the passage of this bill will alleviate these fears.

" Genetic counselors regularly work with families who are concerned about the

effect that genetic test results, whether in a research or clinical setting,

might have on their ability to obtain health or life insurance, " explained

E. Ormond, MS, CGC, president of NSGC. " We are pleased that the Senate has again

shown strong support in unanimously passing federal genetic non-discrimination

legislation. Our organization believes this legislation is critical for society

to be able to take full advantage of the technologies developed by the human

genome project. "

NSGC is the leading voice, authority and advocate for the genetic counseling

profession. Membership represents more than 2,000 masters-level health

professionals, most of whom provide direct patient care (totaling over one

million visits per year). Members are employed in a wide range of clinical care,

academic, research and biotechnology settings, and are located in every state of

the U.S. and internationally. The organization is committed to ensuring that the

public has access to genetic counseling and genetic testing without fear of

genetic discrimination.

For more information about the National Society of Genetic Counselors, visit

http://www.nsgc.org.

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