Letter: Genetics and risk
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The letter from Dr Perutz ('The right to know your own genes', 21 August) cannot be left unchallenged as it would be detrimental to the majority of people in this country.
He refers to confidentiality over genetic matters being essential, but if an individual wishes to obtain life insurance the insurance company must know as much about the risk it is taking on as the individual. Only in this way can a rate of premium be calculated that is commensurate with the risk. This is fair both to the individual and to other policy-holders in the insurance fund.
To allow individuals to withhold information distorts such equitable treatment and at its lowest level is akin to offering motor insurance while letting drivers withhold information on their accident record.
It is wrong to suggest that genetic information is different from the other medical information that may be held within an individual's medical record. Furthermore, existing records probably contain references to family history and illnesses.
The UK life and health insurance industry has had many generations of experience in treating medical information in a sensitive and confidential manner, and this must continue in the future.
Yours faithfully,
M. J. BOLEAT
Director general
Association of British Insurers
London, EC2
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments