Scotland becomes first part of UK to screen newborns for spinal muscular atrophy

Hope Scottish pilot will result in heel prick test for rare genetic condition being approved across Britain

Scotland has become the first part of the UK to screen newborn babies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition that causes progressive muscle wastage.

Campaigners, who have long advocated for newborn testing because early detection is critical for treatment outcomes, hope the Scottish pilot will result in approval for the heel prick test across the UK.