Why Genetic Nondiscrimination is Important

Joan Scott, deputy director of the Genetics and Public Policy Center at Johns Hopkins, explains why the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act is a big deal:

This has been in the works for a number of years now, by individuals who have been watching the progress of genetics. To really realize the full potential of what we're beginning to learn about genetics -- about the associations of different genetic variations -- in order to take full advantage of that, people have to feel comfortable about getting a genetic test. They have to know that the information will be used to the benefit of their health care but not to their detriment where they could lose health insurance or lose employment.

It passed the Senate twice, but it has never really been seriously considered in the House. But in the current congress, it's gained some champions, some awareness that this is important to move genetics and personalized medicine forward.

It still needs to be passed the senate, but of course they've unanimously passed it before twice -- and the President has said he'll sign the bill.

The President's stance is particularly noteworthy. For a man accused by many -- including me -- of stunting the progress of science, his support of this legislation could help create an environment in which the potential benefits of genetic testing are widespread and the problems minimized.
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Image: wetwebwork*