90 Percent of U.S. Newborns Screened

Jul 12, 09:55 AM

Current Headlines: Nearly 90 percent of all U.S. babies born each year live in states that require screening for at least 21 life-threatening disorders, a report said.

The March of Dimes endorsed the 2004 report of the American College of Medical Genetics that calls for every baby born in the United States to be screened for 29 genetic or functional disorders. If diagnosed early, all of the devastating conditions can be successfully managed or treated to prevent severe consequences.

Two years ago, only 38 percent of infants were born in states that required screening for at least 21 of these 29 core conditions, but that percentage has increased to 87.5, or about 3.6 million babies, according to the March of Dimes Newborn Screening Report Card.

While this important expansion of newborn screening is very good news for families, the lives of 500,000 newborns who still aren't tested hang in the balance, Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes, said in a statement. The United States still lacks consistent federal guidelines for newborn screening. Babies must be screened, to receive immediate treatment necessary to survive and lead healthy lives. The lack of federal guidelines makes it difficult for states to get support for needed legislation.