22 June 2026
Jesy Nelson has issued an emotional plea ahead of a parliamentary debate on newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy.
Jesy Nelson has issued an emotional plea ahead of a parliamentary debate on newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy
The former Little Mix singer, 35, revealed in January her twin daughters, Ocean and Story, both aged 13 months, had been diagnosed with SMA Type 1, a rare genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and she has since become one of the most prominent campaigners calling for routine newborn screening for the condition across England.
She has now shared a photograph of her twin daughters’ spinal braces and argued other families should not have to face the same challenges her children endure every day.
Alongside the snap of the medical supports, Jesy wrote on Instagram Stories: “Just a reminder that future SMA babies’ lives don’t need to look like this! These are Ocean and Story’s spinal braces (they) now have to wear every day.”
And alongside a poster promoting the parliamentary debate, she added in her post on Sunday (21.06.26): “I hope to see as many of you there tomorrow. It’s going to be a big day.”
Her campaign gathered more than 150,000 signatures and helped secure a parliamentary debate on the issue.
The debate comes after confirmation NHS newborn screening for SMA will begin rolling out from October, although Jesy has warned the initial programme will cover only part of England.
The singer has spoken extensively about the impact SMA has had on her family.
Ocean and Story require specialist equipment to help them breathe at night and use feeding tubes as part of their daily care.
Jesy has previously said that because the diagnosis came after birth rather than through newborn screening, her daughters missed the opportunity to receive treatment at the earliest possible stage.
Ahead of the debate, Jesy also posted a lengthy message explaining why she believes further action is required.
She said: “We have had some amazing news that screening is due to start in October this year, which is a huge step forward!
“But there’s still a big problem… it will only cover 72 per cent of England. That means some babies won’t be screened simply because of where they live. A postcode lottery like that just isn’t fair. Every baby deserves the same chance every baby’s life matters!”
Jesy added: “We’ll be arriving at 5pm on Monday (22.06.26), and it would mean so much to see as many of you there as possible.”
And in a video shared with followers, she reflected on the campaign’s progress.
Jesy said: “I know some of you will know I have been trying to get SMA as part of the heel prick test here and because of you guys the signatures got over 150,000.
“And because of that it is going to be debated in Parliament this Monday which is just crazy because we did that!”
She continued: “If they get the treatment from after birth the treatment is so life-changing, you wouldn’t even know they had SMA.”
Jesy, who first found fame as a member of Little Mix alongside Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall, has increasingly used her public platform to campaign on health issues affecting children.
The singer welcomed Ocean and Story with former partner Zion Foster.
Speaking previously on Jamie Laing’s Great Company podcast, Jesy described her hopes for her daughters’ future despite the diagnosis.
She said: “It’s not okay, but it is what it is, and I just have to accept it, and now just try and make the best out of this situation.
“And my girls are the strongest, most resilient babies and I really believe that they are going to defy all the odds.”
