Congress OKs Bill to Ban Genetic Discrimination

Congress has passed a bill to ban genetic discrimination by health insurers and employers.

The House approved the measure yesterday by a vote of 414-1, the New York Times reports. Previously the bill, known as the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, passed the Senate by a unanimous vote.

The bill moved forward after language was added to protect employers from lawsuits over violations of the law solely by insurance companies. The bill does not ban discrimination by companies that insure long-term care or offer life insurance.

President Bush is expected to sign the measure, the Washington Post reports.