The president of the March of Dimes Dr. Jennifer Howse says a simple blood test could save many newborns from premature death or mental retardation.
In it's latest annual report on newborn screening the March of Dimes says many newborn babies are not tested for treatable and often curable conditions which can be life threatening.
Almost 90 percent of all babies born in the U.S. live in states that require screening for at least 21 life-threatening disorders, but the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) says every baby born in the U.S. should be screened for 29 genetic or functional disorders, which if diagnosed early, can be successfully managed or treated to prevent severe consequences.
As a result of four years of intensive advocacy efforts by the March of Dimes and others 3.6 million babies are now screened each year but Dr. Howse says 500,000 newborns are not tested.
Dr. Howse says all babies must be screened, to receive the immediate treatment necessary to survive and lead healthy lives and blames the lack of federal guidelines for making it difficult for states to get support for needed legislation.
In states that do not follow the ACMG recommendations, the March of Dimes staff and volunteers are working with governors, legislatures and parent groups to advocate for expanded newborn screening on a state-by-state basis.
But the fact remains that although newborn screening is offered at most hospitals, it is not required by law and only 6.1 percent of babies are born in states that required screening for only 10 to 20 of the core 29 conditions and 6.2 percent of newborns will get screening for fewer than 10 conditions.