Washington, DC – Today Congressman Todd Akin, (R-MO) will vote to protect genetic information as private and to prohibit using genetic information to discriminate in employment decisions. The bill also prohibits health plans from adjusting premiums because of genetic makeup.

"It is wrong to discriminate because of race, religion or creed and it is also wrong to limit access to health insurance or employment because of an individual’s genetic makeup," said Akin. "Along with new technologies often come new ethical questions, and this bill helps clarify some very important ethical questions surrounding genetic testing."

"People should feel free to test themselves for genetic disposition for disease without the fear of being discriminated against because they have availed themselves of a new technology," said Akin.