US legislative and policy response: Some historical context to GINA

This chapter overviews discussion of the US position, in consideration of the US helping to lead the introduction of federal-level legislation in genetic antidiscrimination law and in recognition of the importance of US and EU transatlantic dialogue in the area (Quinn and Flynn, 2012; Quinn and de Paor, 2010; Stein et al., 2010; Hendriks, 1997). Our position is that, when considering law, policy, and regulation of genetic information at the EU level, it is useful to consider transatlantic perspectives, taking into account the relationship between US and EU policy and law, as well as building upon the best practices from this relationship when engaging in law and policy reform (Quinn and Flynn, 2012; Quinn and de Paor, 2010; Stein et al., 2010; Hendriks, 1997). The US and the EU are addressing similar ethical and legal questions stemming from advancing genetic technology, albeit against the backdrop of different historic, cultural and political settings, as will be discussed in this chapter.