Genetic Testing: Scientific Background and Nondiscrimination Legislation

Issues surrounding genetic discrimination and privacy in health insurance and employment are currently being debated in the109th Congress. On February 7, 2005, Senator Snowe introduced S. 306, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2005. The Senate passed S. 306 on February 17, 2005 by a vote of 98-0. On March 10, 2005, Representatives Biggert, Slaughter, Ney, and Eshoo introduced an identical bill, H.R. 1227, in the House. S. 306 is identical to S. 1053 introduced in the 108th Congress, which the Senate passed in 2003 by a vote of 95-0. A House bill, H.R. 1910, did not come to a vote in before the conclusion of the 108th Congress. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the status of genetic testing in the United States. The discussion focuses on the key points in the ongoing debate facing the 109th as S. 306 and H.R. 1227 are considered.