All newborns in England to be screened for spinal muscular atrophy from 2027
6 reported
The Department of Health and Social Care announced on Thursday that every baby born in England will be screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare muscle-wasting disease, starting next year. Campaigners described the move as a “landmark moment,” stating that early treatment could allow affected babies to grow up without debilitating symptoms. SMA affects about one in 10,000 babies, with roughly 48 cases per year in the UK, and can be fatal within two years if undiagnosed. A pilot program announced in April was set to test 72% of newborns from October, but critics warned of a “postcode lottery” for undetected cases. Ministers responded by expanding testing to all 13 laboratories, up from seven, to achieve universal coverage by October 2027. The heel-prick test, already used for 10 conditions, will include SMA screening from October. Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson, whose twin daughters were diagnosed with SMA, had criticized the limited rollout as “outrageous” in June.
What’s reported
Every baby born in England will be screened for SMA starting in October 2027.
SMA affects about one in 10,000 babies; roughly 48 cases per year in the UK.
The heel-prick test, taken at five days old, will screen for SMA alongside 10 other conditions.
A pilot program announced in April would have tested 72% of newborns from October 2026.
Universal coverage will use all 13 testing laboratories, up from seven.
Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson campaigned for universal screening after her twin daughters were diagnosed with SMA.
Key figures
Giles Lomax, chief executive of Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK
Andy Fletcher, chief executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK
Jesy Nelson, former Little Mix singer
Sources: The Guardian
