BETHESDA, Md., April 25 /PRNewswire/ — The American College of Medical
Genetics (ACMG) applauds the signing into law of the Newborn Screening Saves
Lives Act (S.1858) sponsored by Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and 21
co-sponsors including ACMG’s Maryland Senators, Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and
Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD). The bill, signed into law by President George W.
Bush on April 24, will expand screenings of newborn babies for congenital,
genetic and metabolic disorders and will authorize a grant program to expand
the funding to state and local health agencies to provide screening,
counseling and health care services to newborns and children having or at risk
for heritable disorders. It also provides for funds for education and
training of health care professionals in new technologies related to newborn
screening and to develop and deliver educational programs about newborn
screening counseling to parents, families and advocacy groups.
“This legislation will undoubtedly save the lives of many children,” says
Michael S. Watson, PhD, FACMG, executive director of the ACMG, which
recommends universal newborn screening for 29 treatable conditions. “Newborn
screening is a vital public health program. Through early screening, diagnosis
and treatment we can prevent the truly dire consequences of a number of
treatable conditions. With the current expansion of newborn screening panels,
it is estimated that about 10,000 of the 4.1 million babies born each year in
the United States will be identified with one of the conditions for which
treatment will have a significant impact on long-term outcome.”
“This bill places resources where they are needed to make the difference
for families across every state in the US. Advances in technology have made
it possible and feasible to test newborns for a number of serious or deadly
conditions. With advances in genetic medicine, it is now possible to diagnose,
and even more importantly, to treat more diseases than ever in history,” says
Joe Leigh Simpson, MD, FACMG, FACOG, president of ACMG.
ACMG also commends the March of Dimes, Hunter’s Hope Foundation and Save
Babies Through Screening Foundation and the many other organizations who have
worked tirelessly to save and improve the lives of children through effective
newborn screening.
The legislation authorizes $44.5 million in fiscal 2008 to fund the bill’s
various programs, with the amount increasing each year through 2012.
About the American College of Medical Genetics
Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics (www.acmg.net)
advances the practice of medical genetics by providing education, resources
and a voice for more than 1400 biochemical, clinical, cytogenetic, medical and
molecular geneticists, genetic counselors and other health care professionals
committed to the practice of medical genetics. ACMG’s activities include the
development of laboratory and practice standards and guidelines, advocating
for quality genetic services in health care and in public health, and
promoting the development of methods to diagnose, treat and prevent genetic
disease. Genetics in Medicine, published monthly, is the official ACMG
peer-reviewed journal. ACMG’s website (www.acmg.net) offers a variety of
resources including Policy Statements, Practice Guidelines, Educational
Resources, and a Medical Geneticist Locator. The educational and public health
programs of the American College of Medical Genetics are dependent upon
charitable gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals. The American
College of Medical Genetics Foundation is a 501 (3)(c) not-for-profit
organization dedicated to funding the College’s diverse efforts.
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Michael S. Watson, Ph.D.
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SOURCE American College of Medical Genetics