Scripps Health is sponsoring its fifth annual Future of Genomic Medicine Conference on March 1-2, 2012 in La Jolla, California. For more information, contact Scripps Conference Services at med.edu@scrippshealth.org or go to www.scripps.org/conferenceservices.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Committee on Genetics have recently published a committee opinion regarding Newborn Screening. Access to the article is available through the following link, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21343795.

Abstract
Newborn screening programs are mandatory, state-based public health programs. They provide newborns in the United States with presymptomatic testing and necessary follow-up care for a variety of medical conditions for which early intervention will improve neonatal and long-term health outcomes for the individual. Although current state requirements vary, the results of surveys and focus groups of expectant parents demonstrate that women and their families would like to receive information about newborn screening during their prenatal care. The Committee on Genetics recommends that obstetric care providers make resources regarding newborn screening available to patients through information brochures, electronic sources, or through discussion during prenatal visits.

Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Mar;117(3):762-5.