Governor Rendell signed House Bill 883 today authorizing all babies born in Pennsylvania to be screened for the 29 “core” treatable conditions recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and endorsed by the March of Dimes and American Academy of Pediatrics.  The bill was unanimously approved by the House earlier this morning following a Senate vote (48-2) on July 3. Until passage of this legislation, Pennsylvania lagged behind all other states and the District of Columbia in the number of required newborn conditions screened for after birth.

“Passing the Newborn Child Testing Act has been a long-fought battle, so the March of Dimes is celebrating this vitally important investment in the health and the future of all Pennsylvania’s newborns,” said James Dennis, State Director of the March of Dimes Pennsylvania Chapter.  “Testing early for genetic, hormonal, and metabolic disorders can mean the difference between a healthy life and a life of disability or even death.  On behalf of every baby in our state, and their families, the March of Dimes commends Representative George Kenney and Senator Jane Clare Orie for their untiring leadership on HB 883.” 

Newborn screening involves a simple blood test taken before the baby is discharged from the hospital and is done to detect certain rare disorders before any symptoms begin.  Failure to diagnose and treat these disorders leaves newborns at risk for brain damage, coma, or even death, while treatment can be as simple as a change in diet.  The Department of Health estimates that the average lifetime medical costs for a single child whose conditions are left untreated can exceed $1 million, a cost that the Commonwealth would absorb. 

“The March of Dimes and the Departments of Public Welfare and Health have created a unique and powerful collaboration on newborn screening,” said Catherine Houska, Pennsylvania March of Dimes Board Chair.  “We expect Governor Rendell to sign this bill into law within the next ten days and applaud him for bringing us one step closer to our goal of giving each and every baby born in our state an equal opportunity for a healthy start and a promising future.”

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies.  For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.