Genetic privacy protected by law

February 26, 2007 | Source: NewScientist.com news service

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), introduced into Congress on January 16, if passed, will become the first federal law to prevent employers from collecting genetic information on their employees.

It would also outlaw genetic discrimination, preventing insurers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on a person’s predisposition to disease.