The Welsh Conservatives have called on the Welsh Government to ensure children in Wales are not left behind after England announced routine newborn screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), following a high-profile campaign led by Jesy Nelson.
The condition causes muscle weakness and can deteriorate over time. There is currently no known cure, but the condition can be managed with medicines and treatments.
Families in Wales have warned that earlier diagnosis could dramatically improve outcomes, but the Welsh Government has not committed to introducing newborn screening and says it will await further advice from the UK National Screening Committee.
Natasha Asghar MS, Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, said:
"No child in Wales should miss out on the opportunity for earlier diagnosis and life-changing treatment simply because of where they are born.
“The stories of families living with SMA are heartbreaking and it is deeply concerning that children in Wales are being left behind.
"The evidence is clear that early diagnosis can make a profound difference to treatment outcomes, helping children receive care before their condition deteriorates.
“The Welsh Government must work urgently with clinicians and the UK National Screening Committee to ensure Welsh families have the same opportunities as those elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
"We cannot allow a postcode lottery to determine access to potentially life-changing healthcare.
“Welsh Ministers must be prepared to act swiftly if the evidence supports newborn screening and ensure children in Wales have parity of access to the best available treatment and care."
