Our Muscles Matter

Ask your MP to attend the debate on 22 June

The UK parliament will be debating newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) on 22 June at 6pm. We need as many MPs as possible to attend and speak, so the UK government understand just how important it is to make sure that all babies are screened.  

Newborn screening is the quickest route to a diagnosis of SMA.  And early treatment is vital to prevent permanent damage. Without newborn screening, too many babies are only diagnosed when they start to show symptoms, missing out on life-changing treatments. 

If babies don't receive treatment early, SMA symptoms progress quickly and life expectancy can be less than two years. Babies who do survive can’t walk, and the majority are reliant on tube feeding and ventilation support. It doesn’t have to be this way.  

Fill out the form, and answer a few questions to generate an email to your MP. The more people they hear from, the more likely they are to attend the debate. 

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