FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sara Hyde
August 31, 2011
State Director of Communications
shyde@marchofdimes.com
415-217-6371
AB395 PASSES OFF SENATE FLOOR WITH UNANIMOUS
BIPARTISAN SUPPORT; AWAITS SIGNATURE OF GOVERNOR BROWN
Bill Would Add Severe Combined Immunodeficiency to CA Newborn Screening
Panel
Sacramento, California — Assembly Bill 395, the March of Dimes-sponsored bill to permanently
add Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) to the California Newborn Screening Panel has
passed the California Senate with unanimous bipartisan support and will now move to Governor
Jerry Brown’s desk for signature. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the bill's author,
Assemblymember Dr. Richard Pan (D-Natomas), this bill has now moved to this critical point. “Dr.
Pan’s commitment to ensuring the health of newborns in California is inspiring, and the March
of Dimes looks forward to the day we can celebrate the passage of AB395 with him,” said Karyn
DeMartini, March of Dimes State Director.
SCID is characterized as the absence of T-cells, and as a result, a lack of B-cell function, the
specialized white blood cells made in bone marrow that fight infection. Because of this, children
with SCID lack immune protection against bacteria, viruses, and fungi and are prone to repeated
and persistent infections that would not cause serious illness in a person with a normal immune
system. Unless treated early, a child will most likely die from opportunistic infections as an
infant. SCID is caused by several different genetic defects, most of which are hereditary.
“SCID is a deadly disorder where a child is unable to fight off infections and since I began my
career as pediatrician almost two decades ago, data shows this genetic disorder has taken, or
threatened, the lives of hundreds of newborn babies in California,” said bill author Dr. Pan. “With
passage of AB 395, California will take the lead in saving infants and children from the
devastating disease SCID and remove a threat that has loomed over expecting parents for much
too long.”
March of Dimes recommends all states screen all newborns for 30 core disorders, as
recommended by the U.S. Secretary for Health & Human Services. These disorders have no
immediate visible effects on a baby, but unless they are detected and treated early, they can
cause physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities and even death. With early diagnosis (before
the age of 3.5 months) and treatment, these babies have a very high probability of living normal,
healthy and productive lives.
“Enacting this bill will ensure that this federally recommended core disorder is added to the
current newborn screening panel here in California,” DeMartini added. “We’re thrilled that the
Senate has given Governor Brown the opportunity to sign AB395 into law to help ensure the
health of newborns in California.”
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With
chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve
the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest
resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
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