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House Says No To Genetic Discrimination

Bush has pledged to sign bill; hoorays from docs and scientists

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted May 1, 2008 3:11 PM CDT

(Newser) – A long-suffering bill outlawing genetic discrimination by health insurers and in the workplace sailed through the House today, and President Bush has pledged to sign it into law, Reuters reports. The bill, forms of which have kicked around Washington for 13 years, forbids insurers from denying coverage based on genetic tests, and employers from using genetic information in job decisions.

The vote in the House was 414-1; last week, the Senate passed the measure 95-0. Though some business groups oppose the legislation, it has wide support among doctors and scientists. If people have no fear that testing might be used against them, one heart doc reasoned, “we believe more Americans will participate in genetic research and accept genetically directed strategies for treatment.”

A slide used for testing DNA.
A slide used for testing DNA.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
A robotic arm puts a drops of DNA-bearing solution on a slide.
A robotic arm puts a drops of DNA-bearing solution on a slide.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
The genetic analyzer machine inside Egypt's $5 million ancient DNA lab.
The genetic analyzer machine inside Egypt's $5 million ancient DNA lab.   (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
A strand of DNA.
A strand of DNA.   (AP Photo)
A bill passed today by the House, and expected to be signed by President Bush, prevents insurance companies and others from discriminating against people genetically disposed to certain diseases.
A bill passed today by the House, and expected to be signed by President Bush, prevents insurance companies and others from discriminating against people genetically disposed to certain diseases.   ((c) gabyigl)
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