GENETIC PRIVACY: First Lady Highlights At Harvard
Speaking at Harvard University Medical School's commencement last Thursday, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton called on Congress to "pass legislation safeguarding the medical records of every American." In her speech, Clinton warned the graduates that the "extraordinary breakthroughs" in genetic testing "will do little good ... if people who are at risk [of cancer] are afraid to be tested because they worry that the information will cause them to lose their job or insurance." Clinton also told the Harvard graduates: "You should be able to look your patients in the eye and say 'information about your genes will be used to heal you, not deny you a job or affordable health insurance.'" Joseph Martin, dean of Harvard Medical School, said the first lady has "been inspirational to all of us who have battled inadequate health care" (Cavaan, 6/5).
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