Dodd Visit Will Highlight Privacy Needs in Genetic Testing

U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., will visit the genetic counseling and testing center at the Yale School of Medicine to highlight the need for legislation to safeguard the privacy of genetic information. Such legislation would protect individuals from discrimination in health insurance and employment. Dodd will tour genetic testing laboratories and see firsthand the technology that allows scientists to view a person’s genetic blueprint.

After the tour, Dodd will meet with Jodi K. Rucquoi, a genetic counselor who testified before the Senate Labor Committee in May on the importance of genetic privacy, and Dr. Allen E. Bale, director of the DNA Laboratory. Also attending will be several patients who will relate how genetic testing and privacy issues affect their lives. Reporters and photographers are invited to attend both the tour and the briefing.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 11, 1998, 1 p.m.

Where: Beaumont Room, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven