Edina teen makes his case for newborn blood screening

Article by: Jeremy Olson , Star Tribune
Updated: March 8, 2013 - 9:18 PM

Edina teen advocates for newborn screening, pointing to his own case.

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offtherecordMar. 9, 13 7:09 AM

Good for you. Glad it saved your life. You are growing up to be a good liberal deciding what is the best for everyone else.

kamkamMar. 9, 13 7:54 AM

This article is on the surface about the positives of newborn screening; however, the more important information--that blood samples are being stored for research purposes without the consent of families--is hidden in the middle. Interesting writing tactic.

bettyoMar. 9, 13 8:24 AM

Evan, Thanks for sharing your story and a clear example of the benefits for such screening. Although I do concur that there needs to be consent given by the parents to store and use samples in the way you have mentioned, I don't want to see newborn testing itself become so politicized or for further misinformation to drive the dialogue & ultimate decisions. As most new mothers would attest, there is so much to learn about during pregnancy and delivery. I have worked with many children whose lives benefited as Evan's did, and I have witnesses the costs to society, but more importantly to the child and family who had no screening, for a myriad of reasons.

awblnewMar. 9, 1310:42 AM

I find a certain ideological argument against providing this service to newborns ironic. The same folks who want the state to recognize the "rights" of an unborn fetus, now want the state to disregard that same child's best interests, leaving them at the potentially ignorant, mercy of their parents. You can't have it both ways: society, the community and taxpayers have a vested interest in the well being of individuals OR they do not. As children are not possessions, I would imagine that the state's interest in testing, unless parents specifically opt out (and assume sole responsibility) benefits the child, the parents and the rest of us by providing necessary information when all can make the best of it.

kleinriderMar. 11, 1310:58 AM

How exactly is Hromada deciding what's best for everyone? Parents can opt of out testing if they want to. And blood samples are not stored for resaerch without consent.