AMA stands with Senator and allies for ban on genetic tests in life insurance
The AMA President joined Senator David Pocock and Ms Kylea Tink MP to advocate for a total ban on the use of adverse genetic test results for insurance underwriting.
AMA President Professor Stephen Robson fronted a press conference at Parliament House this week organised by Senator David Pocock and Ms Kylea Tink MP to advocate for a total ban on the use of adverse genetic test results for insurance underwriting.
Professor Robson spoke alongside Dr Jane Tiller, Project lead of the Australian Genetics and Life Insurance Moratorium: Monitoring the Effectiveness and Response (A-GLIMMER) project, Robyn Smith, Programs and Advocacy Manager of Pink Hope and Christine Cockburn, CEO of Rare Cancers Australia.
Professor Robson emphasised no one should have to fear undertaking genetic testing that could potentially save their lives or the lives of their children due to concerns over life insurance discrimination.
Having a legislated ban on the use of genetic test results is the only way to ensure Australians feel safe and confident their genetic results will not result in discrimination.
The press conference comes soon after the Treasury released its consultation paper, Use of Genetic Testing Results in Life Insurance Underwriting, which highlighted research indicating that genetic discrimination in life insurance is known to be a barrier for many people, stopping them from undertaking genetic testing and participating in genomic research for the benefit of future populations.
Speaking to the West Australian after the press conference Professor Robson reiterated his concerns people could avoid testing due to their fears over insurance discrimination.
"It is overwhelming to me that we are in a situation where people, acting through fear of financial penalty, might forsake testing that could save their lives or save the lives of their children and other relatives. This has to change,” he said.
The AMA provided a submission to a Treasury consultation on the use of genetic testing in life insurance underwriting, which advocated a total legislated ban on the use of adverse genetic tests results by life insurers without financial limits or exclusions.
