Senate Passes Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

April 24, 2008 – The U.S. Senate approved the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) (S. 358/H.R. 493) by a vote of 95 to 0.

Senate passage of GINA comes nearly a year after the House passed its version of the bill (H.R. 493) on April 25, 2007, by a vote of 420 to 3. Senate leaders worked with Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) to overcome the objections he had to the bill and reached an agreement to bring a slightly modified version of the bill to the Senate floor for consideration.

GINA would prohibit health insurers from using individuals' genetic information to deny coverage or determine rates or premiums. In addition, the bill would bar employers from using individuals' genetic information when making hiring, firing, job placement, or promotion decisions.

Because of slight differences between the House-passed version of the bill and the Senate bill, the House will be required to cast a final vote on GINA before it can be presented to President Bush, who has indicated his support for legislation to protect genetic information privacy.

ASH has been very active in supporting this legislation and thanks everyone who has participated in the Society’s advocacy efforts.