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Bush signs GINA!

Note: I actually wrote this yesterday.

Today was a big day! I wish I wasn’t traveling so that I could be monitoring the coverage and working the phones to try to get us a little press. Today President Bush has signed the first piece of national civil rights legislation for the new century – the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act.

While those of us with existing diagnosis might still find it difficult to get insurance coverage etc. at least there is now no reason to fear genetic testing (other than typical emotional responses to negative results). Now people can freely seek genetic testing that can result in early diagnosis and hopefully early treatment with better results. Now, there is no need to be afraid of seeking genetic testing that might help people find appropriate clinical trials – and thus hopefully science as a whole will be propelled forward for all sorts of genetic disorders.

After 12 years in the making, today GINA is a reality!
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Anonymous said…
I am not sure if you are not too optimistic. I am dealing disability insurance in Ontario and I am in touch with many insurance companies. And believe me, there are always ways, how to use new form of testing. Just imagine positive discrimination - if you provide your tests, you will get substantial bonus. If not, you are "suspicious" (unofficially of course) Law can't solve everything...
Best wishes!
Lorne
3:30 PM
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