Jesy Nelson in tears as 100,000 sign SMA petition in one day
BBC World
February 13, 2026
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Jesy Nelson, the former Little Mix singer, emotionally broke down as her petition to include spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in post-birth baby checks reached 100,000 signatures within just one day. The milestone means that SMA will now be debated in Parliament, marking a significant step toward potential policy change. Nelson launched the petition after her prematurely born twins were diagnosed with SMA type 1, a rare and life-threatening genetic condition that affects muscle function and can lead to irreversible damage if not detected early. Her campaign has gained widespread support, with MPs required to address the issue in the House of Commons.
SMA is a progressive muscle-wasting disease that can cause severe physical disabilities, including difficulty breathing and swallowing. Currently, newborn screening for SMA is only conducted for babies with a sibling affected by the condition. Nelson’s petition aims to add SMA to the standard newborn blood test, known as the heel prick test, which checks for 10 serious health conditions. Early detection is critical, as treatments like gene therapy can provide significant benefits if administered before irreversible damage occurs.
Nelson has been vocal about her daughters' diagnosis, sharing their journey with her millions of followers on Instagram. She revealed that her twins were born prematurely at 31 weeks and initially showed signs of distress, including difficulty feeding and limited leg movement. After months of appointments and testing, they were diagnosed with SMA type 1, a condition that can lead to death within two years if untreated. Nelson has also met with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to advocate for the importance of early detection and the life-saving
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/13/2026