England will evaluate whether to expand newborn screening to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), starting lab testing of newborns in October. The evaluation is led by scientists at the University of Oxford and is funded in part by the National Institute for Health and Care Research with £4.1 million. The study is modeled on a privately funded screening program already running in Scotland and will inform future UK National Screening Committee recommendations. SMA is a genetic motor neuron disorder where early treatment can substantially improve outcomes, despite the absence of a cure. If the feasibility and effectiveness targets are met, the program could accelerate adoption of a heel-prick screening framework for SMA across England.