Senate passes bill barring genetic discrimination

[superconnected]

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - Up to now, people with family histories of breast cancer, Alzheimer's or some other fearful disease have faced an awful dilemma: Genetic tests that might relieve their anxiety or steer them to preventive therapy might also cost them their jobs or health insurance.

Some of that extra concern about testing could end soon as Congress nears completion of a bill banning discrimination based on genetic information.

A 95-0 vote in the Senate Thursday sent the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act back to the House, which could approve it early next week. President Bush supports the legislation.

The bill, described by Sen. Edward Kennedy as "the first major new civil rights bill of the new century," would bar health insurance companies from using genetic information to set premiums or determine enrollment eligibility. Similarly, employers could not use the information in hiring, firing or promotion decisions.


Read more: http://www.komotv.com/news/national/18173724.html

[GoddessOfGuinness]

1. Except there have been times when I wished...

genetic testing was a requirement for the US presidency...to keep the stupid gene from screwing up the country. :evilgrin:

Seriously, this is fantastic news! :bounce:

[Demeter]

4. I'm Certain That Is the ONLY Motivation Behind This Bill

and I used to be an optimist, pre-BushWorld.

[LiberalFighter]

15. Republicans would be scared SL if genetic testing was required to run for office.

[musette_sf]

2. meanwhile

the Equal Rights Amendment languishes..... :cry:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

5. Get back in your place, Jezebel...

It'll probably take another century.

[uppityperson]

3. k&r, good

[BreweryYardRat]

6. Damn. Not a single dissenting vote?

If even the Republicans were willing to back it, that says (to me) that they're really worried about holding on to seats this fall.

And frankly, the country really needed this legislation.

[pnwmom]

7. This bill has been ten years in the making. Bush finally announced

support last year, so I guess that's why the Rethugs finally approved it.

[pnwmom]

8. Recommended. This vote is hugely IMPORTANT to the millions of families

that are carrying genes linked to higher risks of diseases -- and the more genetic research that is done, the more that means ALL of us.

[jody]

9. H.R.493 is a precursor of things to come with genetic tests. Mothers can have a prenatal test of

their unborn child and if it has the gene for some defect, they can have an abortion.

It may be possible to have prenatal tests for athletic ability, intellectual ability, and other desirable traits and mothers could choose an embryo that meets their design criteria.

[pnwmom]

10. H.R.493 will encourage research into life-threatening diseases like

polycystic kidney disease and diabetes, research which is now hindered because people fear that becoming identified with the genetic risk factors will cause them to be ineligible for health insurance.

[jody]

11. I know, and I've had two LTTE published about the need for the bill. I'm glad it passed. n/t

[Posteritatis]

13. Nice catch! I hadn't thought of that angle on this. (nt)

[IntravenousDemilo]

12. And since being gay is also genetic...

...it should be only a matter of time before discrimination against that segment of society is outlawed as well.

[Zhade]

14. So when we finally isolate the "gay gene", we queers are covered.

Niiiice.