Public consultation on proposed laws to better protect genetic information in Singapore
The proposed Bill aims to prevent genetic information from being used to make decisions on insurance and employment.
SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Health (MOH) is seeking public input on proposed laws aimed at bolstering protections for genetic information in the nation. Genetic testing can reveal an individual's susceptibility to certain diseases, empowering people to adopt preventive measures to mitigate that risk. To enhance accessibility to genetic testing, especially for conditions like familial hypercholesterolaemia and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, a national programme was launched in 2025.
Subsidies for genetic testing and related interventions for these hereditary conditions are set to commence on December 2026. However, some may be reluctant to undergo genetic testing due to apprehensions about potential misuse of their results in areas such as insurance underwriting and employment decisions, according to MOH. Recognizing this concern, the ministry intends to introduce legislation that will strengthen safeguards surrounding the use of genetic information in Singapore.
These laws will prevent insurers and employers from compelling genetic testing or leveraging this information when making decisions regarding insurance and employment. The proposed Bill will expand these protections to encompass all genetic information, including that obtained from commercially available tests, not just those acquired through national programmes.
The current moratorium on genetic testing and insurance underwriting by the MOH-Life Insurance Association, implemented in 2021, will serve as a foundation for these new laws. MOH is engaging with healthcare professionals, patient advocates, insurers, and employers in the development of these proposed laws, as well as soliciting input from the public.
The public consultation period is set from August 7 to September 4. Interested parties can submit their feedback via the consultation paper at https://go.gov.sg/genetic-information-bill-consult-paper or through the consultation portal at https://go.gov.sg/genetic-information-bill-consultation. MOH emphasizes that the feedback collected will play a crucial role in shaping robust policies that will instill confidence in Singaporeans to make informed decisions about genetic testing, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
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