Newborn bloodspot screening for spinal muscular atrophy
Tabled 7 January 2026 by Sorcha Eastwood
That this House recognises the life-changing difference early diagnosis and treatment can make for babies with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA); notes that SMA is a rare but serious genetic condition which, if untreated, can cause severe disability or early death; further notes that gene therapies exist which are most effective when given before symptoms appear; acknowledges that SMA is not currently included in the routine newborn bloodspot screening programme (formerly known as heel prick test) in England, Wales or Northern Ireland; also notes that a two-year pilot will begin in Scotland in spring this year and that the National Screening Committee is currently reviewing whether to introduce screening across the UK; and therefore calls on the Government to act urgently with the NHS, devolved health authorities, and the National Screening Committee to introduce SMA screening for all newborns across the UK.
Signatories (34)
- Sorcha Eastwood Sponsor
- Liz Saville Roberts
- Ben Lake
- Ann Davies
- Chris Bloore
- Cat Eccles
- Wendy Chamberlain
- Kim Johnson
- Liz Jarvis
- Jim Shannon
- Andrew Gwynne
- Sarah Hall
- Christine Jardine
- Ruth Jones
- Tonia Antoniazzi
- Rachael Maskell
- Emma Lewell
- Bell Ribeiro-Addy
- Jim Allister
- David Chadwick
- Claire Hanna
- Robin Swann
- Wera Hobhouse
- Ian Byrne
- Chris Law
- Carla Lockhart
- Daisy Cooper
- Adrian Ramsay
- Siân Berry
- Carla Denyer
- Dr Ellie Chowns
- Freddie van Mierlo
- Sammy Wilson
- Munira Wilson