Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Jesy Nelson Demands Full SMA Screening; Plan Stays 72%

6/25/2026

42 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Jesy Nelson Demands

Jesy Nelson demanded universal newborn SMA screening after MPs debated the policy.
She said her twin daughters, born May 2025, have SMA type 1, warning the plan would test only 72 % of infants.
The Department of Health confirmed screening will start in October 2026—three months early—but will still cover only 72 % of newborns after her petition gathered over 150,000 signatures.

Summary

SMA UK Pushes Screening

The pilot to add SMA to newborn blood-spot testing will start in seven of the 13 NHS labs; six lack equipment.
SMA UK, noting Zolgensma—approved in 2021—requires early treatment, is pushing to add SMA to the panel that screens ten rare conditions.
Muscular Dystrophy UK welcomed the debate while MP Ruth Jones cited Ukraine’s wartime rollout and urged ending the postcode lottery in SMA screening.

1 of 2

Jesy Nelson Demands

Jesy Nelson demanded universal newborn SMA screening after MPs debated the policy.
She said her twin daughters, born May 2025, have SMA type 1, warning the plan would test only 72 % of infants.
The Department of Health confirmed screening will start in October 2026—three months early—but will still cover only 72 % of newborns after her petition gathered over 150,000 signatures.

1 / 2