Every baby in England to get life-saving genetic test from birth after campaign helped by Jesy Nelson

After years of campaigning, every baby in England is set to get a life-saving genetic test from birth, the Department of Health and Social Care have confirmed.

The news, which was announced on Thursday 16th July 2026, has been welcomed by campaigners, including former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, who has been pushing the campaign since her twin babies were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic neuromuscular condition.

Jesy said of the news: "After years of campaigning, it means so much to see the heel prick test for SMA begin rolling out from October, with implementation continuing throughout 2027 until every newborn screening laboratory across the UK is offering the test.

"Today is a day of hope. Knowing that future families will have access to early diagnosis and the opportunity for the best possible outcomes is something I’m incredibly proud to have supported. This is a victory for every family affected by SMA, whilst it can’t change the future of our children, I know it marks the beginning of a brighter future for future SMA families."

SMA can leave babies unable to sit up, crawl or walk. In the most severe cases, it stops them breathing or swallowing but, early diagnosis of the disease can allow babies to live full and healthy lives.

Back in April, it was announced that 72% of newborns in England would be tested for the condition from October 2026, but after receiving criticism and being called a 'postcode lottery' by campaigners, ministers have now responded.

The government has announced the SMA screening evaluation will begin across England in the autumn, with the programme moving faster than originally planned. Labs are set to start testing babies for SMA from October 2026, three months ahead of schedule, after the government committed to speeding up the rollout earlier this year.

The remaining six newborn screening laboratories will also begin screening from October 2027, meaning that within a year, every newborn baby in England will have access to screening for SMA.

Giles Lomax, Chief Executive Officer of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) said: "After years of campaigning by the SMA Community and our partner organisations, this is a hugely important step forward. When newborn screening for SMA begins later this year in October, thousands of babies will benefit from earlier diagnosis and access to life-changing treatment.  

"We are delighted to see the confirmation that the remaining six screening laboratories will begin screening from October 2027, this demonstrates a clear commitment to making newborn screening available across England.

"No family should face a postcode lottery when it comes to a condition where every day without treatment can lead to irreversible loss of motor neurons. We are incredibly grateful to the families, clinicians, researchers, supporters and campaigners who have helped us reach this point, and we look forward to the day when every newborn across the whole of the UK is offered this simple, life-changing test."

You can find out more about Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) right here.

SMA screening has been widely in the public eye in recent months, after 'Boyz' singer Jesy Nelson revealed her twin daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe had been diagnosed with the condition.

Jesy has been campaigning endlessly to have Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) added to the NHS newborn blood spot screening in England, meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting and starting an online petition.

Jesy's journey will be documented in her brand new Prime Video show Jesy Nelson: Life Changing, which arrives on the platform on Friday 17th July.

Responding to today's news (16th July), Jesy shared an emotional video on Instagram, expressing how happy and relieved she is. She wrote: 'I cannot believe I can finally say that SMA screening will now officially be rolled out across the whole of England with 7 sites starting from October 2026 and the remaining 6 to be included by October 2027!

'I can’t even express to you how proud I feel of every single person that got it to this point. We made change, change that will now make such a huge difference to babies that will be diagnosed with SMA from birth, their lives will now look completely different and I just am so proud! Thank you so much again to everyone who supported, you have no idea what it means. 🤍'. (sic)