Factsheet: Your rights and responsibilities

This brief factsheet provides an overview of peoples' rights and responsibilities when living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

Page updated: 23 April 2020

Latest

Michael Daly: Policy Analyst
Kelly Berghella: Campaign Manager
Jessica Abbey: Campaign Manager
Statement: You can breastfeed safely with hepatitis B or hepatitis C

There is a common misconception that people living with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C cannot safely breastfeed. Recent misleading media coverage has suggested that drinking breast milk can easily pass on hepatitis B and hepatitis C. This is not the case.

Who do you have to tell?

In most situations it is your choice whether you tell someone that you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C. However, there are some situations where you must disclose that you have, or previously had, hepatitis.
Telling others you have hepatitis B or C

This page contains information to help you talk to the people you decide to tell, including friends and family, employers and education institutions, and health care workers.
Discrimination

Having hepatitis does not mean that you should be treated differently from anyone else.
Confidentiality

In general, it is illegal for most employers and all health care services to share any identifiable information about your health without your permission.
Other Languages

Hepatitis Australia resources translated into various languages