EXPANDED NEWBORN SCREENINGS: THE PASSPORT TO A HEALTHY FUTURE

HARRISBURG, NOV. 10 – During a Capitol news conference today, state Sen. Connie Williams lent her support to expanded newborn screenings in Pennsylvania.

“No one should ever have to lose a child to a disease that can be easily treated, and through a thorough newborn screening, more diseases will be detected early and more children will lead a longer and healthier life,” Williams said.

“It’s hard to fathom that today – with all of the scientific advances made and new equipment and tests that are available to detect diseases earlier and with more accuracy – that 70 percent of the babies born in the United States are born in states that fail to carry out the nine core newborn screening tests recommended by the March of Dimes.”

In Pennsylvania, hospitals are only required to provide six screening tests, although some hospitals do offer an expanded panel of newborn screenings.

Williams co-sponsored legislation (S.B. 1258) that would add three additional tests to those already required in Pennsylvania – Homocystinuria, Biotinidase Deficiency and MCAD (Medium-Chain ACYL-COA Dehydrogenase Deficiency.

The tests are done through a simple newborn blood spot. When detected early, these diseases can be treated through nutritional intervention.

According to Williams, in addition to requiring more tests, there is an ongoing need to educate parents and some members of the health-care community about the availability of newborn screening tests.

“It can be stressful to become parents, especially for the first time,” Williams said. “New parents (and those adding to their families) want to do what is best for their child. They want to give their child the best possible start on a healthy, happy and long life. Newborn screenings can and should be an integral part of this formula.”

The capitol news conference was organized by the March of Dimes, which is highlighting screenings as part of Prematurity Awareness Month, recognized in November.