Why petition for this and what is it?

All babies born in Australia are routinely offered the Newborn Heel-Prick Screening (also known as Guthrie, Newborn Bloodspot Testing) for free in each state & territory. Parents are given the choice to consent to the screening - meaning parents can decline. The test itself is simple; a few drops of blood are collected from your baby's heel on special filter paper. The filter paper is dried and then sent to a laboratory, where your baby’s blood is tested for at least 25 rare but serious conditions like Cystic Fibrosis, Phenylketonuria and Congenital Hypothyroidism. 

In most cases, early treatment can prevent or reduce the effects of these conditions, some of which are life-threatening. Statistics from the Australian Government's Department of Health highlight the effectiveness of early detection. Early medical intervention can save lives and significantly reduce the burden of chronic illness, from both a personal and public health perspective. It's also important to mention that not all conditions are tested for in each state & territory, some new conditions may be implemented in some states but not others.

I started this petition because I believe the federal government should nationalise newborn heel-prick screening making it mandatory for all babies born in Australia and give all babies the chance to thrive. 

Our Story

When our daughter Lily was born, our world was filled with the joys and anxieties that accompany new life. However, the joys felt short lived when Lily was just 6 days old following a phone call from Perth Children's Hospital. The voice at the end of the phone informed me that Lily's TSH Levels were higher than what they should be and we needed to go back to the hospital for further testing. This was a complete and utter shock; we were full of questions and like anyone that gets shocking medical news - we googled it. We had no idea what any of it meant and if Lily was going to be ok. A few more blood tests and another 3-hour roundtrip to Albany hospital, Lily was diagnosed with Congenital Hypothyroidism. A serious condition that if untreated can lead to severe complications including:

• Growth Failure
• Intellectual Disability
• Hearing Loss
• Vision Issues

Lily was started on a daily dose of Levothyroxine at just 7 days old with follow up blood tests to confirm her TSH levels were within normal range. She is currently a happy 6-month-old, meeting her milestones, still taking her daily dose of Levothyroxine and having follow ups with the Perth Children's Hospital Endocrinology Team. I cannot stress enough how crucial it was for us to catch her condition at its early stage and to begin treatment immediately, thus averting potential long-term health issues. We have no family history of thyroid conditions in either side of our family, so it can happen to anyone.

How can you help?

Together with the Australian Thyroid Foundation lets come together to urge the Australian Government to take action. Making Newborn Heel-Prick Screening mandatory is a necessary step towards protecting the health of future generations and giving our babies a voice. Please sign & share this petition to support a change that could save countless lives and offer peace of mind to new parents across the country.

The Australian Thyroid Foundation - Thyroid Awareness Month

Newborn screening: what to expect | Raising Children Network

What is screened in the program | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing