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Science 11 May 2007:
Vol. 316. no. 5826, p. 797
DOI: 10.1126/science.1144588
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Editorial

Your Genes and Privacy

Louise M. Slaughter

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) languished in past Congresses for 12 years. But finally, new leadership in the House of Representatives has given the bill its best chance to become law since its introduction in 1995. On 25 April, GINA passed the House by a vote of 420 to 3. The act will prohibit health insurers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums to a healthy individual solely because they possess a genetic predisposition to develop a disease in the future. It will also bar employers from using genetic information in hiring, firing, job placement, or promotion decisions.

Louise M. Slaughter has represented New York's 28th Congressional District since 1986 and is chair of the U.S. House Committee on Rules. She has an MS degree in Public Health.

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Indiscriminate Discrimination
Joanne Whitehead
Science Online, 6 Aug 2007 [Full text]

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)