Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has launched a powerful campaign for change after her twin daughters received a life-altering medical diagnosis.
A Mother's Plea for Universal Screening
Nelson's infant twins, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, have been diagnosed with severe muscular disease SMA1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1). This rare genetic condition affects the nerves that control muscle movement. In response, the singer has announced her intention to start a formal petition, calling for universal SMA1 screening for all newborns across the United Kingdom.
She is advocating for the test to be incorporated into the standard newborn heel prick test, a routine blood screening currently offered to babies shortly after birth. At present, this specific screening for SMA is not routinely available throughout most of the UK, with Scotland being the notable exception. The existing screening programme is under review.
Political Support and Public Platform
The campaign has already garnered significant political backing. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly supported Nelson's initiative, lending considerable weight to the call for policy reform. Nelson is scheduled to share her family's experience in detail during an appearance on ITV's This Morning, aiming to raise public awareness and support.
Since revealing her daughters' diagnosis, Nelson has expressed profound gratitude for the widespread public support she has received. Her move from private concern to public advocacy highlights a determined effort to prevent other families from facing similar challenges without early detection.
The Path Forward for Newborn Health
The proposed change would mean that every newborn in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland would be screened for SMA1 at birth, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment. Early diagnosis is critical for managing the progression of the condition. Nelson's campaign, set in motion on Wednesday 7 January 2026, places a spotlight on a tangible gap in national health screening protocols.
By channelling her personal ordeal into public action, Jesy Nelson is transforming a private family struggle into a national conversation about preventative healthcare, genetic screening, and equity in medical services across the UK's devolved nations.
