House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Right now, Pennsylvania includes testing for Sickle Cell Disease as part of the Newborn Screening Act. This requirement helps in identifying those affected by Sickle Cell Disease, but it does not help in making an informed decision prior to procreation.

My legislation would require individuals over the majority age of eighteen, with exceptions, to be tested for Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle Cell Trait and notified of the results of such a test. By doing this testing, individuals can find out whether they have sickle hemoglobin or another abnormal hemoglobin that could be passed on to a child, and make informed decisions regarding the chances of having a child with some type of sickle cell disease.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my Harrisburg office at 717-705-1925.