Regarding "genome medicine", which examines genes and treats patients according to each patient, the Japanese Association of Medical Sciences may be unfairly discriminated against in insurance, employment, marriage, etc. if the susceptibility to illness is found. If so, we have issued a statement calling for urgent legislation to prevent it.
The statement was released by the Japanese Association of Medical Sciences and the Japan Medical Association at a press conference in Tokyo on the 6th.
The national government is promoting "genome medicine" that examines the genes of patients with cancer and intractable diseases and selects the optimal treatment method and drug, but in Japan, it is discriminatory and unfair because genetic information shows the susceptibility to diseases. It has been pointed out that there are not enough laws in place to prevent profits.
For this reason, the statement expressed concern that in the current situation, patients and their families may not be able to eliminate the possibility of unfair discrimination and social disadvantages in various situations such as insurance, employment and marriage. rice field.
On top of that, ▽
the government should immediately establish a law to prevent discrimination based on genetic information, and
▽ urgently consider and announce voluntary measures regarding the handling of genetic information to businesses such as insurance companies. I asked for.
At a press conference, Takashi Kadowaki, Vice Chairman of the Japanese Association of Medical Sciences, said, "Genome medicine has made great strides in the last few years, and the application of technology for investigating the risk of future diseases is also advancing. Now is the time to proceed with social discussions. "