Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act 2008 (GINA) was signed into law by President Bush May 21, 2008. The Senate voted unanimously in favor of the bill; the House supported it overwhelmingly with a vote of 414 to 1.

This Act will protect individuals against discrimination based on their genetic information when it comes to health insurance and employment. These protections are intended to encourage Americans to take advantage of genetic testing as part of their medical care and will pave the way for them to take full advantage of the promise of personalized medicine without fear of discrimination

The passage of GINA is good news for families living with myotonic dystrophy, a genetic disorder.