If you ever worried that information from a genetic test might be used to deny you a job, insurance or entrance to an elite training school for genetically-engineered astronauts, you can breathe a little easier now.

After a decade of false starts, dead ends and back-room squabbles, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was signed into law by President Bush today. In a nutshell, it prevents employers and insurers from using genetic data against you.

The bill's co-sponsor, Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), calls it the "the first civil rights legislation of the 21st century." Here's why it matters:

Employers can't deny you a job because you're genetically predisposed to develop a particular disease or condition.

Insurers can't use your genetic profile to deny coverage or raise your premiums.

Thus protected, you can benefit from medical genetic testing without worrying about the results being used against you.

People will be less reluctant to take part in genetic research.

This will help scientists, and – as the complex interplay between genes, environment and development is better understood – you.

GINA's not perfect: The law doesn't specifically keep genetic information out of third-party hands. It also doesn't apply to the military. (So actually, you still might be denied entrance to Gattaca based on a genetic test.) And some people say health insurance won't ever be fair without a pricing structure that makes discrimination impossible.

But until that utopian day arrives, GINA will have to do. And with Genetics and Public Policy Center director Kathy Hudson calling it "rock solid," GINA will do quite well.

Image: Nature

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