All 50 States to Screen Newborns for Cystic Fibrosis by 2010

July 7, 2009

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced today that all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, have passed legislation requiring that all newborns be screened for cystic fibrosis (CF) by the year 2010.

Newborn screening for CF was adopted nationwide at a rapid pace, following the aggressive advocacy efforts of the Foundation, its volunteers and many local and national interest groups. In 2005, only five states required that CF be included as a mandatory screening condition.

After years of debate, Texas and Connecticut — the last two states without mandatory newborn screening — will now establish programs. Connecticut will begin screening Oct. 1, 2009, and Texas is expected to start in December.

“We congratulate Texas and Connecticut for joining a nationwide effort to ensure that every child born with cystic fibrosis gets the best possible start in life,” said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “Newborn screening is critically important for this disease because early diagnosis is tied to better health. We extend our thanks to every volunteer and advocate who fought to establish screening programs across the country.”

Read the full press release here.