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
Air turbulence: When can it become dangerous?
Flight turbulence like that encountered by a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday is extremely common, but there's one aspect of severe turbulence an aviation expert says can lead to serious injury.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
opinion Tom Mulcair: With Trudeau spiralling, Mark Carney waits in the wings
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that if there's an unofficial frontrunner in the eventual race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, it has to be former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
Police in Ontario say suspects charged in armed home invasion near Toronto part of 'larger criminal network'
Police in Ontario say a group of suspects charged in an armed home invasion north of Toronto last year were driving a vehicle stolen in a carjacking in Calgary just one month earlier.
Orphan orca's extended family spotted off northeast side of Vancouver Island
Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.
WATCH Why today's inflation numbers are good if you have a mortgage
New inflation data is 'welcome news' for consumers and an economist says it could signal the possibility for a interest rate cut as several core measures also continue to ease.