Senate passes Salisbury bill to mandate newborn screening for Gaucher disease
Would restore testing previously in place until 2020
Rep. Abigail Salisbury October 22, 2026 | 11:03 AM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania Senate today passed state Rep. Abigail Salisbury’s bill to restore newborn testing for Gaucher disease – an inherited genetic disorder that can cause wide-ranging damage in affected children and adults.
Salisbury said her H.B. 1652 would give parents the timely information they need for early medical intervention that can alleviate symptoms.
“Until recently, Pennsylvania newborns were screened for Gaucher disease, along with a wide array of other diseases, but the condition was dropped from the panel of screened diseases several years ago without good reason,” Salisbury said. “Other states, including neighboring New Jersey, still screen for Gaucher, and it can lead to arbitrary, unfair results for families. For example, a baby born in New Jersey can be diagnosed and taken to Philadelphia for expert treatment, while a baby born right here in the commonwealth would miss that chance for early intervention.
“I’m thrilled to know that we’re one step closer to restoring this screening, so parents can have critical information they need as early as possible, and infants born with this condition can get the early treatment they need to give them a better outcome.”
Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which a person is missing an enzyme that breaks down lipids, or fatty compounds, in the body. The disease can cause devastating health problems, including organ, blood and bone disorders and even certain cancers.
The bill, which passed the House by a large bipartisan majority on Oct. 5, now heads to the governor’s desk.