House Passes Ban On Genetic Discrimination

Genetic information no longer could be used to deny someone health insurance or job opportunities under legislation passed by the House on Wednesday.

The measure makes it illegal for a health plan or insurer to deny coverage or charge higher premiums to a healthy person based solely on a genetic predisposition to a disease. Similarly, an employer could not use genetic information in making hiring, firing or promotion decisions.

Lawmakers noted that some people forgo genetic testing for fear of losing jobs or health benefits. They said there have been instances of discrimination against people with family histories of sickle cell anemia, Huntington's disease, certain cancers and other diseases.


SOURCE:
ABC News

This is a very good thing to see being implemented.

Genetic discrimination is one of the key issues that, as science and
technology advance will become more prevalent as a major issue, I'm
glad to see something is being done about it while the problem is still
in its infancy.

Hopefully this bill will pass through the senate with the same major
majority as it has in the house.


Comments, Opinions?

[edit on 4/25/2007 by iori_komei]

they will readily find other excuses to fire the poor sob, surveillance makes it possible to find something on everyone and you're not forced to hire anyone anyway.

such 'anti-discrimination' bills are for politicall effect only.