Senate passes genetic testing bil

The bill, described by Sen. Edward Kennedy as 8220;the first major new civil rights bill of the new century,8221; would bar health insurance companies from using genetic information to set premiums or determine enrollment eligibility. Similarly, employers could not use genetic information in hiring, firing or promotion decisions.

8220;For the first time we act to prevent discrimination before it has taken firm hold and that8217;s why this legislation is unique and groundbreaking,8221; said Senator Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, who sponsored the Senate bill with Sens. Kennedy, D-Mass., and Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. There are more than 1,100 genetic tests available today, she said, but these are 8220;absolutely useless8221; if fear of discrimination discourages people from taking tests or participating in clinical trials.

Genetic testing could lead to early, lifesaving therapy for a wide range of diseases with hereditary links.