Individuals of Ashkenazi descent are disproportionately affected
by a multitude of Jewish genetic diseases. The Union for Reform
Judaism (Union) and Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR)
have a long history of involvement in issues relating to these
disorders. In 1975, the CCAR spoke out on Tay-Sachs Disease,
calling upon rabbis to include education about pre-marital
screening for all couples contemplating marriage. In 1997, both
the Union and CCAR adopted resolutions on Breast Cancer, Genetic
Testing, and Health Insurance Discrimination that (1) supported
continued research for the prevention, early detection and
treatment of genetic disorders, (2) promoted education about
genetic testing, and (3) supported legislation mandating privacy
for personal genetic information and outlawing discrimination by
insurance companies on the basis of genetic characteristics. In
2001, the Unions Department of Jewish Family Concerns published
the Bioethics Study Guide #12, focusing on issues relating to
genetic testin