Ask A NurseCategory: ParentingCan I refuse newborn screening for my baby?
Anonymous asked 5 years ago

Can I refuse newborn screening for my baby?

1 Answers
Elika Roohi Staff answered 5 years ago

Newborn screening is very important to detect health problems that can’t been seen in your baby but that could have very serious implications later in life, such as a heart or hearing problem that goes left unresolved. All states recommend newborn screening, however, no one can force you to have your baby screened. If you choose not to have any portion of the screening you may be asked to sign a paper that describes the risks to your baby of declining newborn screening.