The proposed ban has yet to be implemented.
The AMA is urging the federal government to fulfill its promise to ban genetic discrimination in life insurance.
We are a signatory on a joint submission on the Treasury consultation paper: Ban on the Use of Adverse Genetic Testing Results in Life Insurance.
The joint submission was developed by the Public Health Genomics team, led by Dr Jane Tiller, at Monash University along with a small group of clinical and legal experts in consultation with a wide range of stakeholder groups including the AMA. The submission is consistent with our extensive and longstanding advocacy for a legislative ban on the use of adverse genetic test results in life insurance underwriting.
"It is hard to believe we are in a situation where people, acting through fear of financial penalty, might forsake genetic testing that could save their life or the lives of their children or other relatives," AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said.
"This must change. No one should have to fear undertaking genetic testing due to concerns over life insurance discrimination."
After extensive lobbying, the government announced last year it would introduce legislation to ban the use of adverse genetic test results in life insurance underwriting, effectively ending the industry's ability to discriminate against consumers based on genetic testing. However, this has still not occurred.
The AMA will continue its advocacy efforts to ensure that legislation banning the use of adverse genetic test results in life insurance underwriting is introduced and implemented.
