Conservatives must ban genetic discrimination

As the American company 23andMe begins making health information based on genetic history available to Canadians, New Democrats are raising concerns that Canadians could face possible discrimination based on the results of these tests.

“As new genetic testing becomes available, Canadians need to know what the implications could be,” said NDP Health Critic Libby Davies (Vancouver East). “With these tests becoming more common place, the government needs to move now to ban genetic discrimination.”

Currently, only a voluntary code of conduct governs how the results of genetic testing can be used by health and life insurance companies providing services to Canadians. Insurance companies can still require patients to disclose their test results, and this information can affect how and whether they will be covered.

The FDA has outlined concerns with the genetic testing service 23andMe, and has blocked them from sending health information to customers of its genetic testing kits in the U.S. until it completes its review.

“Even the FDA understands that this is powerful information that can have significant ramifications for patients,” added Ms. Davies. “Our government needs to ensure that the service is properly regulated, and that what should be helpful information cannot be used against Canadians.”

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For more information, please contact:
Véronique Breton, Press Secretary, 613-408-1483 or veronique.breton@parl.gc.ca