Media Kit

October 4, 2004

Senator Barbara Boxer
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510

Dear Senator Boxer:

On January 22, 2004, you introduced to the Senate S. 2020 the “Freedom of Choice Act”. On behalf of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), I am writing to make you aware of our support of your efforts to protect a woman’s right to choose an abortion.

The NSGC is the leading voice, authority and advocate for the genetic counseling profession. Our membership represents over 2,100 professionals, who work and provide expertise in areas of patient care, public health, biotechnology, research and industry. We have specialized graduate training and experience in medical genetics and counseling.

Since 1987, the NSGC has had a position statement on reproductive freedom. This position states “The NSGC, as an organization, publicly supports a woman’s right to reproductive freedom, including her right to prenatal diagnosis and access to safe and legal abortion”. In 1994, the NSGC adopted a position statement on national health care reform which states “The NSGC supports Health Care Reform measures which provide universal access to and guaranteed coverage for: …3. Safe and legal abortion…”

Therefore, the NSGC recognizes that medical decision-making should be a confidential process between patient and health care provider, without interference from legislative bodies. This includes, as stated in the FOCA bill, “a woman’s decision to commence, prevent, continue, or terminate a pregnancy”.

The National Society of Genetic Counselors thanks you for your continued efforts to support a woman’s right to reproductive freedom.

Sincerely,

Dawn C. Allain, MS, CGC
President, National Society of Genetic Counselors

Return to News Room