With the sequencing of the human genome, it had to come to this. As it is now possible to determine with some degree of precision that an individual is genetically predisposed toward the manifestaion of various illnesses or disabilities, an under-reported countermeasure has been taken in the U.S. Senate. The measure amounts to a ban on discrimination arising from genetic profiling. The bill passed unanimously, 95-0, and it prohibits discrimination in employment and insurance on the basis of findings arising from genetic testing.
The bill, described by Sen. Edward Kennedy as "the first major new civil rights bill of the new century," 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.
This is fast-tracked; going now to the House for likely approval. President Bush is said to be set to enact it. That's a good start, but don't get complacent just yet. For lawyers, this is an easy call. And most of the folks on the Hill are lawyers - not scientists. And in the coming years, that's where it's going to get dicey. Hybridization and bionics are two areas that are bound to crop up in the near future. Think your Congressman has a clue?
