CT woman files one of first actions under federal genetic anti-discrimination law

Pamela Fink, a Fairfield resident, filed complaints last week with the US Equal Opportunity Commission and the CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities under the new Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. Ms. Fink argues that her employer, MXenergy of Stamford, eliminated her job after learning that she carries a genetic risk for breast cancer. Ms. Fink stated that she received excellent job evaluations, merit increases and bonuses for years until she told them of the genetic test results when she was targeted, demoted and eventually fired. President Bush signed the bill into law in 2008, but the employment provisions only became effective last November. The bill had been debated in Congress for 13 years. The law prohibits discrimination in health coverage and employment based on genetic information. Coverage nondiscrimination provisions of the law began taking effect last May and will be fully effective this month.
Ellen Andrews