Genetic Testing Can Save Lives - End Healthcare Discrimination Now!
Save Lives - End Healthcare Discrimination
There are currently few federal protections preventing health insurance companies or employers from discriminating on the basis of genetic information. This gross oversight has led many to forgo testing, denying them important information that could help them manage their health. It has also led many to opt-out of clinical trials, which in turn hurts advancements in cancer research
Send a letter to your Senators urging them to support the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information and ensure people can take proactive measures to improve their health.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Help End Discrimination in Healthcare
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
As your constituent, I want to encourage you to support the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (S.358) and all the procedural motions necessary to ensure this bill's success.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) would prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information by health insurance companies or employers. The current lack of federal legal protections against the misuse of genetic information restricts individuals' access to health information and clinical trials. Fear of the misuse of genetic information limits access to genetic tests. Refusal to use effective genetic tests hinders the ability of individuals to learn important medical information, which they could use to proactively manage their health. Fear of discrimination also causes a large number of people to opt out of clinical trials. This lack of participation in research has a negative impact on researchers, clinicians and industry, slowing research and development for new targeted drugs and treatments. We must pass GINA to fully promote personalized medicine and the use of genetic information in healthcare.
The House of Representatives passed GINA by a 420-3 vote last year. The Senate's record on this legislation is good - it passed unanimously in the 108th and 109th Congresses. Thank you for your leadership on this issue. I look forward to working with you to have GINA pass swiftly.
Sincerely,
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