For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 22, 2001
President Announces Effort to Ban Genetic Discrimination
Embargoed for Release Until 10 06 A.M. Edt Saturday, June 23, 2001 Today?s Presidential Action ? in His Weekly Radio Address, President Bush Called on Congress To Enact Reasonable Legislation to Prohibit Genetic Discrimination in
employment and health insurance. ? The
President also announced that he has tasked his Administration with
working with Congress to develop sensible legislation that addresses
the complex legal and scientific issues involved. Background on
President Bush's Action ? On February 12, 2001
scientists announced their completion of a map of 95% of the human
genetic code. Scientists have found that humans are 99.9% identical at
the genetic level, but the 0.1% that is different holds important clues
to susceptibility or resistance to disease.
? This development could provide valuable
information about diseases. Differences in our genes have been tied to
3000 to 4000 diseases like cystic fibrosis, cancer, Alzheimer's,
diabetes, schizophrenia and heart disease. As science advances, genetic
testing will become cheaper, more reliable and more
available. Scientists estimate that by 2010 tests for
genetic predisposition to 25 major causes of illnesses and death will
be widely available. ? These scientific
developments raise serious moral and legal questions. For example,
although medical conditions have been linked to certain genetic
markers, there is no certainty that many of these diseases will
actually develop. But there is growing concern that
employers and insurance companies will use genetic information to
discriminate by denying jobs or insurance coverage to individuals who
have predictive genetic markers for certain diseases. There
is also a concern that current laws have not kept pace with the issues
raised by the scientific and technological progress of genetics.
? As Governor of Texas, President Bush signed
legislation in 1997 that prohibits genetic discrimination in employment
and group health plans. ? President Bush
believes that it is inherently unfair to deny insurance or employment
to Americans who are healthy but have a genetic predisposition for a
condition that may never develop. Without legislation, individuals do
not have complete and certain protection against genetic
discrimination. The leading scientists behind the mapping of
the human genetic code have expressed concern that the absence of
legislation could have an impact on genetics research in the
long-term. ? President Bush wants to work with
Congress to enact genetic discrimination legislation that is fair,
reasonable and consistent with existing laws to prevent
discrimination. For more information, contact
White House Press Office 202/456-2580
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