Congress passes anti-genetic discrimination bill

Congress has passed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which forbids employers and insurance companies from using genetic tests showing people are at risk of developing cancer, heart disease or other ailments to reject their job applications, promotions or healthcare coverage, or in setting premiums. Data from the American Management Association showed that in 2001, nearly two-thirds of major U.S. companies required medical examinations of new hires. Some Americans have been refusing to take genetic tests or have been using false names and paying cash because they didn't want the information used against them by their employer or insurance company, said supporters of the bill.