Genetic Discrimination

What is Genetic Discrimination?

Genetic discrimination occurs when someone uses personal information about your genetic risks against you. This can include genetic testing information for an inherited disorder or for genetic disease risks. It can even include information about disorders or health conditions that run in your family (family history).

Two concerning types of discrimination involve health insurance and employment. Some individuals may choose not to have a genetic test because of concern that their health insurance premiums could increase or that they could lose their health insurance coverage just because they are at risk for a disease. Other individuals may worry that they could lose their jobs or be transferred if the management finds out about their genetic risk(s).

Protection from Genetic Discrimination

In May 2008, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was signed into law. GINA provides protection against genetic discrimination by employers and health insurance companies.

Employers and health insurance companies cannot request or require genetic information including genetic tests or family history.
Employers cannot make any hiring or promotion decisions based on genetic information.
Health insurance companies cannot make any pricing or coverage decisions based on genetic information.
Genetic information cannot be considered a pre-existing condition.

It is important to remember that protections under GINA apply only to genetic risk information and not to a disease that is already present. For example, learning you are at risk to develop a health condition based on a genetic test or family history would be protected and could not be used against you. However, if you already have symptoms which could lead to diagnosis of the health condition, it is considered "manifest," or active disease, and GINA does not apply. Talk with your doctor or genetic counselor to learn more about how GINA applies to your individual situation.

For more information, visit:

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) (developed by NCHPEG)

Coalition for Genetic Fairness

Genetics & Public Policy Center

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Please note:
Individual Genome Sequencing will be performed in Illumina's CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendment)-certified and CAP (College of American Pathologists)-accredited Clinical Services Laboratory's, under a valid and unexpired California Clinical Laboratory License. The Individual Genome Sequence information is generated by licensed personnel using an analytically validated process. Consistent with Lab Developed Tests, it has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

This genome sequence information can be analyzed to potentially aid your doctor in the evaluation of a broad range of health conditions or physiological traits. You will not receive medical results, or a diagnosis, or a recommendation for treatment from Illumina. Any results arising from the analysis of your genome sequence information that might be deemed medically actionable should be confirmed using alternative testing. If you have any questions or concerns about what you learn through your genome sequence information, you should contact your doctor or a genetic counselor.

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