• All newborns are screened for SMA through a newborn screening programme
  • Some newborns are screened for SMA through regional programmes – click for more details
  • SMA has been approved to be added to screening programmes and is pending implementation
  • Application for inclusion in routine screening programme submitted
  • Ongoing academic pilot study
  • Past academic pilot study

Progress of newborn screening for SMA in Europe

Children born in Europe who are screened for SMA at birth: 45%
Children born in Europe who are not screened for SMA at birth: 55%

Screening for SMA outside of Europe

The following countries and territories screen all newborns for spinal muscular atrophy:

  • Australia: Pilot screening programme taking place in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory (combined, approx. 33% of all births in Australia)
  • Canada: Included in the newborn screening programme in Ontario and Québec (combined, approx. 60% of all births in Canada)
  • Japan: Province-level pilot projects in place.
  • Qatar: All newborns are screened for SMA since approx. 2021.
  • Taiwan: A pilot project in place during 2014–2016 followed by routine screening of all newborns.
  • United States: Approx. 99% of newborns are screened for SMA, which was recommended in 2019 and is currently included in state programmes in 48 out of 50 states as well as in Washington D.C. Only Nevada and Hawaii do not screen for SMA.