Scotland first part of the UK to screen babies for ‘devastating’ rare condition

Scotland is to become the first part of the UK to routinely screen newborn babies for the rare degenerative condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy. (Danny Lawson/PA) -

Scotland is to become the first part of the UK to routinely screen newborn babies for a medical condition that can have “devastating impacts” for both the infants and their families.

Health Secretary Neil Gray confirmed that from early 2026, newborns in Scotland  will be screened for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).