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

Background Spinal muscular atrophy ( SMA ) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder and a leading genetic cause of infant death worldwide. However, there is no routine screening program for SMA in the UK . Lack of treatments and the inability of screening tests to accurately predict disease severity are among the key reasons implementation of screening has faltered in the UK . With the recent release of the first therapy for SMA (Nusinersen),...