England to screen newborns for SMA after Jesy Nelson's campaign wins change

Newborns in England will soon be screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) after years of campaigning by families affected by the disease. The move comes as former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson continues to push for wider testing, following her twins’ diagnosis with SMA Type 1. However, the rollout will not cover all regions immediately, creating concerns over unequal access. Jesy Nelson’s 10-month-old twins, Ocean and Story, were diagnosed with SMA Type 1, a rare and severe muscle-wasting condition. Without treatment, children with this form of SMA often do not survive past the age of two. Nelson has spoken openly about her hopes for their future, believing early treatment will extend their lives.

Since their diagnosis, Nelson has campaigned for the NHS to introduce routine newborn screening for SMA. Her petition gathered over 100,000 signatures, forcing a parliamentary debate on the issue. The government has now confirmed that from October 2026, more than 400,000 babies in England will be tested for the condition. However, the screening programme will not be available nationwide at first. Only certain areas will offer the tests, leading to what critics call a 'postcode lottery'. This means some families may still face delays in diagnosis and treatment, depending on where they live.

The decision to introduce SMA screening marks a significant step for affected families. Over 400,000 newborns will benefit from early detection starting in 2026. Yet, the limited rollout means access will vary, leaving some parents still fighting for equal care.