"People who inherit a genetic mutation, such as BRCA1/2 for breast and ovarian cancers, or other familial syndromes, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, that predispose them to cancer are now protected from genetic discrimination regarding health insurance coverage and employment.  The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

of 2007 passed the house in April by a 420-3 vote and will likely be passed by the Senate later this year.

 

Protection against genetic discrimination exists in a number of laws, including HIPAA and the Americans with Disabilities Act, but GINA clarifies and extends those rights."

 

"GINA prohibits health insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums to someone who is healthy but may have a genetic mutation that makes them susceptible to a disease.  It also prohibits an employer from using that information in hiring, firing or promotion decisions."