Scotland has launched a newborn screening program to test babies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition that affects muscle function and development.

SMA causes progressive muscle weakness throughout the body. Without medical intervention, the condition can significantly limit life expectancy, with some cases reducing survival to approximately two years in the most severe forms.

The screening initiative aims to identify affected infants early, when treatment options may be most effective. Early detection of genetic conditions through newborn screening programs has become increasingly important in modern healthcare systems.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. The condition varies in severity, with some forms appearing in infancy and others developing later in childhood or adulthood.

The new screening program represents an expansion of Scotland's existing newborn health testing protocols. Healthcare systems across the UK have been gradually expanding genetic screening capabilities to identify treatable conditions in early infancy.