Cat Deeley has faced criticism from disability advocate Sophie Morgan over her choice of words when discussing Jesy Nelson's twins, who have been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1.
During Thursday's episode of This Morning, Deeley said that 'disabled children can live normal lives' if a screening for SMA at birth were implemented, as Nelson is advocating. Morgan, who was paralysed in a car crash, reshared a post from Guardian writer Frances Ryan, which stated that the phrase 'could have lived normal lives' is inappropriate, as disabled children can have careers, marriages, and friends, but face structural barriers.
Ryan's post also highlighted the need for disabled journalists in media to provide nuance and lived experience. Morgan added that disabled people should be involved behind the camera as well.
Nelson appeared on This Morning to discuss her daughters' SMA Type 1 diagnosis and called for routine newborn screening for SMA, which is available in over 40 countries but not in the UK. Deeley noted that the test costs only 36p, calling it 'ridiculous' not to implement it.
Nelson's honest discussions have been praised by parents of other affected children, with one follower describing the low cost of the test as 'devastating and shocking'. SMA causes progressive muscle weakness, and Nelson said her daughters will likely never walk or regain neck strength.
