Jesy Nelson decries late SMA diagnosis for twins as UK adds newborn screening

Jesy Nelson, the former Little Mix singer, discussed the late diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in her one‑year‑old twins, Ocean and Story. The disease causes progressive muscle weakness and the twins are unlikely to walk. Nelson said she feels deep guilt for not noticing warning signs earlier and worries that her daughters may later blame her. She noted that her mother was the first to spot the reduced movement in the infants.

Nelson also highlighted a policy change in the United Kingdom: from October, all newborns in England will be screened for SMA. She said the change comes after her public story, describing it as a bittersweet victory for families facing the rare condition.