ADVISORY for Thursday, April 1

      Press Conference: 'We Need to Pass Genetic Nondiscrimination Legislation Now!'

       WASHINGTON, March 29 (AScribe Newswire) -- The Genetic Alliance today released the following advisory.

       WHAT: Press Conference: 'We Need to Pass Genetic Nondiscrimination Legislation Now!' Congress can protect against the misuse and misappropriation of genetic information in health care.

       WHEN: April 1, 2004 -- 12 Noon EST

       WHERE: Location: Rayburn Building Room 2203

       WHO: Sharon Terry, President and CEO of Genetic Alliance, member of the Coalition for Genetic Fairness Heidi Williams, mother of two children who have experienced genetic discrimination, and Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).

       -- Sharon Terry will describe the need for this legislation from the perspective of individuals who have experienced genetic discrimination.

       -- Heidi Williams has experienced genetic discrimination first hand -- her children were denied health insurance because they are carriers of a recessive disease.

       -- Francis Collins will convey the promise of genetics, and describe the need for access to research and testing without fear of discrimination.

       These individuals will urge members of the House of Representatives to consider and pass the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (S. 1053), to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment. This bill was passed unanimously (95-0) in the Senate last year, is strongly supported by the President and currently sits at the desk in the House.

       For more information, contact Sharon Terry, 202.966.5557 x213; sterry@geneticalliance.org.

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