Every baby in England to get life-saving genetic test from birth

All babies in England will be screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Babies across England will be tested for a rare but serious genetic condition from birth, giving them the best chance of successful treatment before symptoms appear.

The government will expand newborn screening for SMA throughout the country as part of an evaluation programme. It will begin later this year and hundreds of thousands of babies will be screened thanks to the expansion of the scheme.

SMA can leave babies unable to sit up, crawl or walk. In the most severe cases, it stops them breathing or swallowing but, caught early enough, treatment can significantly improve outcomes for affected children.

Testing works through a simple heel prick to collect a small sample of blood from the baby, taken shortly after birth.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care James Murray said:

No parent should have to watch their child lose the ability to move or breathe, knowing that earlier treatment could have made all the difference.

This expansion means babies across England will be tested from birth, giving them the best possible chance of a full and healthy life, and another step in the right direction as we do all we can to reduce health inequalities.

I’m in awe of the campaigners who’ve worked tirelessly to raise awareness of this rare but very serious genetic condition. We’re moving faster and rolling screening out more widely to ensure children get the best treatment from the earliest possible moment.