Content
Genetic discrimination
What is meant by the term ‘genetic discrimination’?
Genetic discrimination is a term used to describe the differential treatment of individuals or their relatives on the basis of their actual or perceived genetic makeup. A person’s genetic makeup may be identified by DNA testing. It may also be inferred from a family’s health history.
[top]
How is genetic discrimination applied?
When people talk about genetic discrimination they usually mean behaviour based on their assumed or actual genetic status that is perceived by the person as being unfair or unjust. In Australia, discrimination on the ground of genetic status is dealt with under the framework of existing Commonwealth, State and Territory anti-discrimination laws. However, unfair treatment in relationships or families due to real or inferred genetic risk status is also likely to be perceived by the person affected as discriminatory.
[top]
What is happening overseas?
There is recognition of the need to put in place measures to minimise the risk of genetic discrimination if the full benefits of the genetics/genomics information explosion are to be realised. A number of international statements have also been issued, calling for steps to be taken by countries to prohibit genetic discrimination.
[top]
Could my genetic information affect my health or life insurance?
The issue of health insurance and the use of genetic information do not apply to Australia as health insurance is community rated — that is, everyone pays the same premiums regardless of their personal or family health history or genetic test results, a situation similar to the UK and Canada.
On the other hand, genetic information can be taken into account in applications for life insurance products like cover for death or income protection because these types of insurance are risk rated. However, any risks calculated by insurer’s that determine premium costs would have to be substantiated actuarially. In Australia, the insurance industry has agreed that it will not require people to have DNA tests before taking out life insurance. But if individuals have had DNA tests, they must report these and the results in the life insurance application.
[top]