The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, which recently called for a total ban on the use of genetic testing results in life insurance underwriting, welcomes the Government’s announcement that it will outlaw the practice.
The Academy established its official position after Fellows observed patients refusing critical genetic tests and potential participants withdrawing from vital research projects, driven by concerns that their results could jeopardise their, or their children’s, access to affordable insurance.
“This landmark decision is a significant step toward protecting Australians from genetic discrimination, ensuring equitable insurance access, and fostering trust in the health and medical sciences,” said Academy President Professor Louise Baur AM FAHMS. “We commend the Government for building a future-focused health system that prioritises patient outcomes and research innovation.”
She added, “This ban underscores the importance of measuring the impact of health and medical research, building public trust, and protecting vulnerable communities—particularly First Nations people, who are disproportionately affected by discriminatory practices in healthcare and insurance.”
The Academy has long advocated for strong legislative protections against health and medical discrimination. This new policy fully aligns with our call for a total ban—without limits, caps, or exclusions—ensuring no one faces higher premiums or coverage denials based solely on genetic testing.
The Government’s changes, which include a five-year review, will be enacted through legislation.
The Academy urges continued engagement with expert stakeholders to ensure the law is clear, effective, and its impact well-understood.
The Academy’s full position statement is available here.
Media: AAHMS Head of Media and Communication Katie Rowney,
[email protected] or P: 07 3102 7212 M: +61 (0) 419 787 551