President Bush Signs Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) Into Law

May 22, 2008 – President Bush has signed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) (H.R. 493) into law.

GINA will 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. The Senate passed GINA in April and the House passed the Senate-approved version of the bill earlier this month.

ASH has been a strong supporter of this legislation and worked for the last several years to ensure passage. ASH’s grassroots advocacy efforts in support of GINA were crucial to this important legislation being enacted into law and the Society thanks all those who participated in these efforts.