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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Holly Bishop

Jesy Nelson criticises ‘postcode lottery’ of SMA rollout ahead of key debate

Jesy Nelson has blasted the “unfair” rollout of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) tests, likening it to a “postcode lottery”.

In January, the singer shared the devastating news that her daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, had been diagnosed with the rare genetic condition that may prevent them from ever walking.

A petition she launched for the inclusion of the test has gained over 150,000 signatures and will be debated in parliament on Monday (22 June), which she will attend.

However, in a recent Instagram post ahead of the debate, Nelson criticised the rollout, which would only cover 72% of England.

“That means some babies won’t be screened simply because of where they live. A postcode lottery like that just isn’t fair.”

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