[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 61 (Thursday, May 14, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H3262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     GENETIC INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION IN HEALTH INSURANCE ACT

  (Ms. SLAUGHTER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, scientists recently announced a 
breakthrough in the treatment of cancer, one of the deadliest and most 
common diseases plaguing humanity. A combination of two drugs has been 
shown to prevent tumors from spawning the growth of new blood vessels 
that allow the tumor to grow.
  The advances in genetic testing now allows us to pinpoint people who 
are at high risk for common cancers like breast cancer and colorectal 
cancer. Tragically, however, people are afraid to take those genetic 
tests that would allow them to take advantage of new anti-cancer drugs 
at the earliest possible phases of cancer. They refuse to take these 
tests because they fear genetic discrimination, especially in health 
insurance.
  Congress could solve the problem by passing H.R. 306, The Genetic 
Information Nondiscrimination Health Insurance Act, which has 200 
bipartisan sponsors. To date, however, we have not been able to get a 
schedule to vote on this proposal; and, as a result, Americans are 
forced to make a Hobson's choice between learning vital health 
information and risking their health insurance.
  I urge my colleagues to demand a vote on H.R. 306 to protect all of 
our constituents against genetic discrimination and allow them to make 
health decisions based on sound medical facts.

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