Discrimination Based on Genetic Information Banned in US Workplace

November 25, 2009

Washington - The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) said a new federal law that prohibits discrimination based on genetic information took effect Saturday, preventing employers to make decision based on the result of medical and laboratory tests.

Under the provisions of Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), health insurers are also prohibited to deny coverage or set premium rates based on a person’s genetic makeup and vulnerability to certain diseases.

In a statement, EEOC Acting Chair Stuart Ishimaru said “no worker should be denied with job opportunity just because of his genetic makeup and should enjoy fair treatment in any workplace.”

Meanwhile, some employers and health insurers oppose the law saying that GINA will disrupt disease-management projects and wellness programs.

However, several lawyers believe that the new federal law will promote advanced scientific research since people will be more willing to undergo genetic testing knowing that the result will not be used against them.