Which act prohibits discrimination based on genetic information in employment?

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) specifically addresses the prohibition of discrimination based on genetic information in employment. Enacted in 2008, GINA was established to protect individuals from discrimination by employers and health insurers based on their genetic characteristics. This includes information about an individual's genetic tests, genetic tests of their family members, and information about the manifestation of a disease or condition in their family members.

By ensuring that genetic information cannot be used against individuals in hiring, promotion, or firing decisions, GINA aims to encourage individuals to participate in genetic testing and research without fear of employment repercussions. This legislation plays a critical role in safeguarding personal genetic data and promoting privacy and fairness in the workplace.

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) focuses on discrimination based on disability status, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) deals with employees' rights to take leave for family and medical reasons, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEOA) serves as a broader framework for combating various types of employment discrimination, none of these acts specifically addresses genetic information. Thus, GINA stands out as the clear legal protection against employment discrimination based on genetic data.