Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act

Today the House passed H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA) by a vote of 414 to 1. Last week, the same bill passed the Senate by a vote of 95-0. Thanks to the diligent efforts on the part of pro-life staff, all pro-life concerns with prior drafts of H.R. 493 were resolved in the Energy and Commerce Committee before the House vote last year. The language included to address these concerns states that genetic information covered by GINA includes the genetic information of a "fetus" or "embryo." The amendment also adjusts the definition of family member to include children who have been placed for adoption as well as children who have been adopted. Passage of this legislation marks a pro-life win in the House.