Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson was visibly moved after her petition advocating for the inclusion of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) screening in post-birth checks for newborns surpassed 100,000 signatures. Launched on Thursday, the petition’s rapid success means it will now be debated in the House of Commons, marking a significant step forward in the fight for better health screening.
A Personal Journey
Nelson’s motivation for this initiative stems from her own heart-wrenching experience as a mother. In May 2025, she gave birth prematurely to twin daughters who were later diagnosed with SMA type 1, a severe genetic condition that affects muscle movement and can lead to life-threatening complications. The singer revealed the diagnosis in January, shedding light on the struggles her children faced in terms of movement and feeding.
In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Nelson expressed her gratitude, stating, “You have no idea how much this means to me and the SMA community.” She reflected on the significance of reaching this milestone and the potential for change it represents. “This is the first hurdle but we bloody did it, and I truly believe that together we are going to make change!” she remarked to her 9.7 million Instagram followers.
The Importance of Early Detection
SMA is a progressive condition that can severely impact a child’s ability to sit, crawl, and walk, with untreated cases often resulting in death within two years. The NHS estimates that SMA affects approximately one in every 10,000 births, and SMA type 1 accounts for around 60% of these instances. Nelson has been vocal about her belief that early detection could have significantly altered the course for her daughters.
During an appearance on ITV’s This Morning, she candidly shared her feelings about the diagnosis, stating, “I felt selfish to keep this to myself and not potentially save a child’s life.” This sense of responsibility has driven her to advocate for wider awareness and screening for SMA, a cause she is passionately pursuing.
Government Response and Support
Last month, Nelson met with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to discuss the life-changing implications of early diagnosis. Currently, SMA screening is only offered to newborns who have a sibling diagnosed with the condition. Nelson’s petition seeks to expand this screening to all newborns through the heel prick test, which is routinely administered to check for ten serious health conditions shortly after birth.
SMA UK, a charity dedicated to supporting those with the condition, is backing Nelson’s initiative. The current lack of comprehensive screening means that many babies could be at risk of delayed diagnoses, which can lead to irreversible damage to their nervous systems. The charity emphasises the critical nature of timely intervention, particularly with the advent of treatments such as Zolgensma—an innovative gene therapy that has been approved by the NHS.
A Mother’s Pride
Despite the challenges she faces, Nelson has expressed immense pride in her journey as a mother. Following the premature birth of her twins at 31 weeks, she shared on Instagram how the experience has altered her perception of her own body and strength.
Having departed from Little Mix in December 2020, Nelson has since stepped into the realm of solo artistry, with her music continuing to resonate with fans. Her advocacy for SMA screening is now a pivotal part of her identity, intertwining her personal life with her professional pursuits.
Why it Matters
Jesy Nelson’s petition not only highlights the urgent need for comprehensive health screenings for newborns but also underscores the broader implications of early diagnosis in preventing life-threatening conditions. Her emotional journey has sparked crucial conversations around SMA and the necessity of proactive health measures, potentially paving the way for legislative changes that could save lives. As this issue gains traction, it is a powerful reminder of the impact individual voices can have in shaping health policy and raising awareness for critical health conditions.
