[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 27, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H2878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE WOMEN'S HEALTH EQUITY ACT OF 1996

  (Ms. SLAUGHTER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today as Chair of the Women's 
Health Task Force of the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues. On 
behalf of the caucus, I have the honor of introducing the Women's 
Health Equity Act of 1996. A momentous legislative initiative, the 
Women's Health Equity Act is an omnibus bill comprised of 36 separate 
pieces of legislation targeting women's health.
  The first Women's Health Equity Act was introduced in 1990 as a 
result of a GAO report that documented of widespread exclusion of women 
from medical research and energized caucus and women around the Nation 
to action on women's health issues.
  In the 6 years since, we have accomplished a great deal. We have 
achieved greater equity in both women's health research funding and 
inclusion of women in clinical trails. The increased funding for breast 
cancer has resulted in the discovery of the BRCAI gene-link to breast 
cancer 18 months ago. Since then, it has been found that the BRCAI gene 
seems to inhibit the growth and formation of tumors and may provide 
therapy for both breast and cervical cancer.

  This news is miraculous and is very gratifying to the caucus because 
it was our initiative that resulted in the increased funding. But, our 
responsibility does not stop there. We must assure that social policy 
keep pace with advances in biomedical research. As a part of the 
Women's Health Equity Act, I have introduced legislation that would do 
just that.
  H.R. 2748, The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health 
Insurance Act prohibits insurance providers from:
  First, denying or canceling health insurance coverage; second, 
varying the terms and conditions of health insurance coverage on the 
basis of genetic information; third, requesting or requiring an 
individual to disclose genetic information; and, fourth, disclosing 
genetic information without prior written consent.
  The Women's Health Equity Act's initiative to increase funding for 
breast cancer research has resulted in discovery of potentially 
lifesaving genetic information and therapy. As therapies are developed 
to cure genetic diseases, and potentially to save lives, the women and 
men affected must be assured access to genetic testing and therapy 
without concern that they will be discriminated against. As 
legislators, I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that 
protection is guaranteed and I hope my colleagues will join me in that 
endeavor.

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