New March of Dimes Report Finds State-By-State Gaps Nearly
Eliminated WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., FEB. 18, 2009 - Regardless of
where they are born in the United States, nearly all newborns
now receive mandated screening for many life-threatening
disorders, a remarkable public health advance of the last four
years, according to a new report issued today by the March of
Dimes. All 50 states and the District of Columbia now require
that every baby be screened for 21 or more of the 29 serious
genetic or functional disorders on the uniform panel recommended
by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) and endorsed
by the March of Dimes. If diagnosed early, these disorders can
be successfully managed or treated to prevent death, disability,
or other severe consequences such as mental retardation.
Although all states now have laws or rules that require the
screening, as of December 31, 2008, Pennsylvania and West
Virginia still must implement their expanded programs, according
to the March of Dimes report card. "Toda