Alberta announces expansion of newborn screening program, research for women's health
Alberta is expanding the screening process for all newborns in the province and supporting more research related to women's health.
The Alberta Newborn Screening Program will now test for 26 underlying medical conditions, up from the previous total of 22.
Premier Danielle Smith says it's critical help for a province that saw 47,000 babies born last year.
"Every expectant family dreams and prays for a safe birth of a healthy child and that's why we're also fulfilling our campaign commitment to expand the Alberta Newborn Screening Program," Smith told a news conference Friday.
"When parents welcome a newborn they want answers and certainty about their baby's health as quickly as possible."
In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the program checked 99 per cent of Alberta-born infants and reported screen results for almost all within 10 days.
"Each year a small number of Alberta infants are born with metabolic disorders that can lead to severe physical disabilities, developmental delays and other health problems or even death," said Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange.
"This will make the program one of the most comprehensive in the country."
Support is also being provided through an Alberta Women’s Health Foundation Legacy grant to support research on cervical cancer, heart disease and other common women’s health conditions.
In addition, the Calgary Health Foundation will receive resources for a rapid access clinic and pelvic floor health projects.
Dr. Erin Brennand, head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine, said the investment represents a "tangible first step" in removing gender disparity in health-care practice, policy, research and delivery.
"It's time for women's health care and research to get the attention and funding it deserves," she said.
"Disease and conditions that specificially impact women are misunderstood and poorly treated. I applaud the government for taking this first step to address the historical gap in women's health."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.
NEW A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
'We were vetted': Sex-ed organization 'disappointed' over Higgs' comments
The head of a Quebec-based sexual and reproductive health organization says she's disappointed New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has deemed presentations she did in the province last week inappropriate.
Cyclone floods coastal villages, blows away thatched roofs and cuts power in Bangladesh and India
A cyclone flooded coastal villages, blew away thatched roofs and left hundreds of thousands of people without power Monday in southern Bangladesh and eastern India. At least seven deaths were reported.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
DEVELOPING Indigo Books & Music shareholders to vote on privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders are expected to vote this morning on whether the retailer should accept a sweetened offer from a holding company that plans to take the bookstore chain private.