NHS to DNA test every newborn baby in UK to predict diseases early

The DNA of every baby born in the UK will be mapped under a radical NHS overhaul aimed at predicting and preventing life-threatening diseases before symptoms ever appear. However, the decision is likely to be viewed with trepidation by some healthcare professionals, with some already having warned it may cause more harm than good in some instances.

The rollout of whole genome sequencing for newborns will form a central pillar of a sweeping 10-year health plan due to be published next month, said Health Secretary Wes Streeting. He explained: "Genomics presents us with the opportunity to leapfrog disease, so we're in front of it rather than reacting to it." Under the plans, each child's entire genetic code will be sequenced shortly after birth, identifying potential risks for hundreds of serious conditions, including aggressive cancers and Alzheimer's disease.

The initiative marks a decisive shift away from traditional one-size-fits-all screening and MOT-style check-ups that typically only pick up problems once they are already embedded.

In remarks reported by the Telegraph, Mr Streeting said: "With the power of this new technology, patients will be able to receive personalised healthcare to prevent ill-health before symptoms begin, reducing the pressure on NHS services and helping people live longer, healthier lives."

The rollout will be bankrolled by a £650 million genomics investment and is part of the wider life sciences strategy announced by the Government.

The goal is to transform the NHS from a reactive system to a proactive one - using AI, predictive analytics and genomics to forecast illness, target treatment, and prevent unnecessary suffering.

Currently, new parents are offered a heel-prick blood test that screens for just nine rare conditions. In future, babies will undergo full genome sequencing using umbilical cord blood samples, potentially uncovering far more about their future health.

However, the move is expected to reignite ethical debates over privacy, consent and data security.

While parents will have to give permission, their children could grow up knowing they have high genetic risks for incurable or late-onset diseases - something some experts are unsure about.

Writing in 2023, Frances Flinter, Council Member of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, described whole genome sequencing (WGS) of newborn babies as "a step into the unknown," warning that "getting the balance of benefit and harm right will be crucial".

She cautioned that while early diagnosis could benefit some children, the risks include false or uncertain results and long-term anxiety for parents.

Professor Flinter also raised concerns about the lack of follow-up care, warning that screening asymptomatic babies without clear guidelines could overwhelm an already stretched NHS and leave families in limbo.

A pilot study of 7,000 newborns found 27 cases with the BRCA1 gene, which dramatically raises the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

It's the same gene that actress Angelina Jolie famously revealed she carries, prompting her decision to undergo preventative surgery.

There are also cybersecurity concerns. All DNA and health records will be stored in the National Genomic Research Library on UK-based cloud systems, with identifying information encrypted and held separately.

However, recent breaches-including a major cyber attack on 23andMe two years ago-have underlined the value of genetic data to hackers and the potential risks of large-scale genomic databases.

The 10-year NHS plan will also include a move away from hospital-based care in favour of community services and digital health platforms, including smart watches, virtual wards, and apps allowing patients to speak directly to consultants.

Mr Streeting has previously argued the changes are necessary to ensure the NHS survives long term. Earlier this year he told NHS managers: "Much of what's done in a hospital today will be done on the high street, over the phone, or through the app in a decade's time."