All pregnant women will be offered tests for Down's syndrome and every newborn baby will be screened for cystic fibrosis, under plans announced by the government yesterday at the start of a drive to promote policies on maternity in the run-up to the general election.
Yvette Cooper, the public health minister, said she was setting up a network of counsellors to provide support and information to help expectant parents make informed choices about ante-natal screening, including tests for HIV, hepatitis, rubella and syphilis.
All pregnant women in England would be offered non-invasive tests for Down's syndrome, reducing unnecessary amniocentesis tests.
At present 80% of women are offered a test, but there are wide variations in the standard of testing and counselling.
Tests for cystic fibrosis, the most common genetic disease in children, will be available for all new babies. Ministers have accepted the results of research in Wisconsin in the US showing that early screening improved diagnosis and treatment for babies born with the disease, which clogs the lungs and other organs with mucus.
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust had complained of a postcode lottery in screening. It was available for about 20% of newborns, but the absence of a universal service led to children being misdiagnosed and subjected to inappropriate surgery.
Ms Cooper said the government was also moving towards universal screening of the hearing of newborn babies, starting with trials in 20 pilot areas. Quick identification of impairments could alert parents to call on support services.
Alan Milburn, the health secretary, will tomorrow announce a 10 year programme to upgrade maternity services, with better facilities and more choice for women about their preferred type of delivery. In an address to the Royal College of Midwives, he will promise to invest tens of millions of pounds more on equipment and staffing.
Ms Cooper said: "It is important that every child gets the best start in life and every parent gets proper information about what health checks are available for newborns and in pregnancy. Evidence shows that screening newborn babies for hearing problems and cystic fibrosis can make a big difference to treatment and support and can significantly improve their health and development."
Rosie Barnes, chairwoman of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said there were 7,500 sufferers of the genetic disease in Britain and their average life expectancy was 31.
"In 80% of the country where the test has not been offered, babies are suffering all sorts of health miseries. Often they are not diagnosed for months or years."
