After thirteen years of development, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)was passed in May of 2008. This innovative law prevents health insurance companies and employers from denying coverage or jobs because of an individual's genetic predisposition to a certain disease. In this way, otherwise healthy people are safeguarded from based on their DNA.
This article cannot accurately be described as either hypothesis or discovery science but is closer to the latter as no experiment was conducted. This innovative legislation is highly significant to mankind as it may potentially provide great benefits as medical sciences advance. With this protection from the possibility of discrimination, individuals may be more inclined to engage in testing which will identify possible genetic liabilities, such as an elevated risk of developing heart disease. This knowledge of genetic predispositions may, in turn, lead to more effective preventive treatments.
Title: A New Law Bans Genetic Discrimination
Journal: Discover Magazine
Author: Karen Wright
Date Published: December 17, 2008
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