Jesy Nelson Calls England's Newborn Screening Plan for Muscle-Wasting Disease a 'Victory'

All babies born in England will soon receive a heel-prick test for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

British singer Jesy Nelson praised a new government plan to screen every newborn in England for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, calling the move a "victory," according to the BBC.

Under the plan, all newborns will receive a heel-prick test designed to detect SMA, a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle wasting and weakness. Early detection through routine screening is intended to allow treatment to begin before symptoms significantly progress.

Nelson, a singer who rose to fame with the group Little Mix, has become a public voice welcoming the expanded testing program as it moves toward implementation across England's newborn health checks.

— Compiled from reporting by the BBC.