New Law Supported by MDA Prohibits Genetic Discrimination

TUCSON, Ariz., May 22, 2008 – A new law signed yesterday by President Bush is good news for Americans who have refused to take genetic tests because they feared the results might be used against them by their employer or insurance company.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 (GINA) prohibits employers and health insurance companies from discriminating against people on the basis of their genetic tests.

Its passage has been staunchly supported by MDA through its advocacy program.

GINA ensures that people whose genetic tests show they may have a predisposition to costly diseases won’t lose their jobs, or opportunity for advancement, and won’t be denied health insurance or subject to higher prices based on that information.