Insurers have been found to discriminate against Australians because of their genetic make-up, with experts warning employers could soon do the same.
The first study in the world to provide proof of genetic discrimination has shown a number of Australians have been refused insurance after undergoing genetic tests.
Most cases were found to relate to life insurance, with one man initially excluded from income protection and trauma insurance claims relating to all forms of cancer after insurers discovered he had a faulty gene linked to breast cancer.
The findings have sparked calls for policies to prevent the insurance industry misusing genetic test results.
According to Professor Margaret Otlowski from University of Tasmania, the Australian Law Reform needs to create guidelines for the proper use of genetic test results, which are expected to have a growing impact in Australia.
Professor Otlowski said employers could soon begin to use genetic tests to choose potential employees and protect themselves from compensation claims.
"There were indications that at least some employers would be interested in using genetic testing in the future if it were inexpensive and accessible."
Director for the Centre of Genetics Education at Royal North Shore Hospital, Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart said people need to be better informed about their rights.
"Eighty-five per cent of the people in the study didn't know where to go to seek assistance if they had been discriminated against," she said.Under present industry guideline insurers cannot force people to have a genetic test, but any who have been tested are compelled to reveal their results.
Companies may only legally use the information if they can justify their decisions.
livenews.com.au 9 Mar 2009
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