Genetic Discrimination Bill

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Genetic Discrimination Bill

A bill banning genetic discrimination faces an uphill battle to

become law despite its unopposed passage in the Senate on February

17, public support by the White House, and a bipartisan majority in

the House.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (search for S.306 at:

http://thomas.loc.gov) would protect individuals seeking health

insurance or employment. Sen Olympia J. Snowe (R, Maine), the bill's

chief sponsor, said the legislation is needed in part because fear of

discrimination by insurers and employers causes people to avoid

genetic testing.

" Insurers should not be allowed to deny coverage, cancel coverage, or

adjust premium rates, and employers should not be able to use genetic

information as a means of determining employment decisions, " said

Snowe in a release.