Newborn genetic screening for spinal muscular atrophy in the UK: The views of the general population

ConclusionsPublic acceptability is a key component in the evaluation of any potential screening program in the UK. This study demonstrates that newborn screening for SMA is viewed largely positively by people unfamiliar with the condition. The importance of early identification overrode all other social and ethical concerns about screening for the majority of participants. Very little is known about the views of the general population toward newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy, even though this is currently the focus of intense policy debates. Using an online survey (n = 232), this study demonstrates that the public is largely supportive of SMA newborn screening and believe its benefits outweigh its limitations.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi?DOI=10.1002%2Fmgg3.353

Source: Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine - September 1, 2017 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Felicity K. Boardman, Chloe Sadler, Philip J. Young Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research