The Association of British Insurers welcomes the launch today (Monday 27 November) of the Human Genetics Commission’s consultation exercise on the collection, storage and use of genetic information.

Mary Francis, ABI’s Director General said:

“The insurance industry welcomes the HGC’s consultation on this important and sensitive subject. We agree that there should be full public debate about all the issues and we look forward to contributing to the Commission’s work.

“We note the preliminary results of the HGC’s People’s Panel research. ABI’s own past research has shown that people tend to take different views according to their understanding of the consequences of particular approaches. The HGC’s work should help spread knowledge of the issues more fully and so aid understanding of the approach insurers take towards the use of genetic test results.”

Mary Francis stressed:

“The insurance industry has long recognised the legitimate social concerns and sensitivity surrounding genetic testing. This is why we have made it clear that insurers would never ask for a genetic test to be undertaken. As with information about family history, in a limited number of cases test results already available may be relevant for insurance purposes. The industry follows a strict code of practice, based on independent medical advice, which clearly sets out how insurers should use such results. The code also includes comprehensive confidentiality guidelines.

“We also fully support the Government-appointed Genetics and Insurance Committee’s current evaluation of the use of a limited number of genetic test results by insurers. The industry is committed to accepting the Committee’s decisions on which test results previously undertaken can in future be used by insurers.”

Notes

Enquiries to-

Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410, 020 8297 9510 (home)
Vic Rance 020 7216 7440, 020 8647 5188 (home)



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