Media release

AMA Position Statements on genetic testing and human cloning

The AMA has updated and split the content of its Position Statement on Human Genetic Issues 1998. Revised 2000. Revised 2002. to produce the AMA Position Statement on Genetic Testing 2012 and the AMA Position Statement on Human Cloning 2012.

The AMA Position Statement on Genetic Testing 2012 is more contemporary and reflects current issues relevant to genetic testing.

The AMA Position Statement on Genetic Testing 2012:

  • recognises that genetic testing is now increasingly part of mainstream health care;
  • provides greater detail on the types of genetic tests currently available;
  • advocates for appropriate education and training of the medical (and other health care) professions on the clinical and social issues related to genetic testing;
  • advocates for a sufficient workforce and infrastructure to support the use of genetic testing in mainstream health care;
  • recognises the role of genetic support groups and community organisations;
  • recognises the uncertainty around incidental findings – including the need for appropriate call back;
  • addresses direct-to-consumer genetic tests;
  • promotes the need for public education and awareness campaigns;
  • maintains the AMA's position on gene patents; and
  • maintains the AMA's position on genetic selection (‘eugenics’).

The AMA Position Statement on Human Cloning 2012 retains the existing AMA policy of opposing cloning for the purposes of creating a human being (reproductive cloning), while permitting cloning for other (non-reproductive) purposes (eg., cloning of human tissue for therapeutic purposes).

The AMA Position Statement on Genetic Testing 2012 is at http://ama.com.au/node/7663

The AMA Position Statement on Human Cloning 2012 is at http://ama.com.au/node/7664


11 April 2012

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                        Kirsty Waterford                    02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753

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