Is SMA newborn screening available where you live?

4 November 2026

We know that newborn screening is the fastest and most effective route to a diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), allowing life-changing treatments to begin before symptoms appear. Some babies are already being screened shortly after birth, but currently there is a postcode lottery in the UK. We need to change that.

Every baby deserves the best possible start in life. But for babies with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), delayed diagnosis can mean devastating consequences for their future. Newborn screening gives babies born with SMA the best chance to get early treatment. This is vital to minimising irreversible damage and helping children grow up without complex needs.

Newborn screening for SMA is a postcode lottery  

Earlier this year, newborn screening for SMA began in some parts of the UK. More areas plan to start screening over the next 18 months, but for others there are currently no plans to start newborn screening at all.

Find out what’s happening where you live

With just a few details, you can check whether newborn screening for SMA is available in your area. If it isn’t, you’ll also find out how you can help campaign for change.   

With a muscle wasting condition like SMA, time is everything. And every baby matters.

We will keep campaigning until newborn screening for SMA is available across the UK, but we need your help. Babies with SMA don’t have time to wait.