GINA

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), H.R. 493

SIGN THE GINA PETITION

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act makes it illegal for group health plans and health insurers to deny coverage to a healthy individual or charge him or her higher premiums based solely on a genetic predisposition to a specific disease. The legislation also bars employers from using individuals’ genetic information when making hiring, firing, job placement or promotion decisions.

Passage in the House: GINA, is a bi-partisan bill co-sponsored by over 220 Members of Congress. The legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Slaughter on Tuesday, January 16th. The bill passed through the House by a vote of 420 to 3.

Support in the White House and Senate: On Wednesday, January 17th, 2007 the President once again indicated his support for legislation to prevent genetic discrimination by insurance companies. And today, the Administration issued an official Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) in support of GINA. The Senate has already passed this bill unanimously twice in recent years.

Blockage in the Senate: After GINA passed the House it went to the US Senate where Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) exercised his power as a Senator to place a “hold” on the legislation, preventing its further passage. Sen. Coburn supported a previous identical version of the bill in a previous Congress.

News Articles and More Information:

Buffalo News – Slaughter’s quest undone by ‘Dr. No’; Senator blocks bill on gene profile bias

Buffalo News – Editorials – Bill Block Unwarranted

Genetic Alliance GINA Information Page

Rochester Turning – Sen. Coburn blocks Slaughter’s GINA Bill