To: Members of the United States Congress

Every baby born in America today receives the heel prick test (Newborn Screening Test) to detect rare metabolic and genetic conditions. This test saves lives — but it does not check for two of the biggest health risks our children face:

• Genetic vulnerabilities that affect detoxification (like the MTHFR gene variants), and
• Toxic chemical exposures (like heavy metals, pesticides, and endocrine disruptors).

We now know that these factors play a powerful role in whether a child develops chronic health conditions — including autism, asthma, autoimmune diseases, learning disabilities, mental health issues such as depression and aggression, and many other lifelong illnesses.

By expanding the heel prick test to include genetic and toxin screening, parents would gain life-saving information that helps them:

• Reduce their child’s exposure to toxins in food, water, vaccines, medications, and household products.
• Make more informed medical decisions, such as delaying vaccination until MTHFR status is known.
• Prevent chronic illness before it begins.
• Save thousands on lifelong healthcare and education expenses, and reduce stress on the family.

This small step could save millions of children from unnecessary suffering — and save our nation hundreds of billions of dollars every year in health care, education, and disability costs.

The proposed Newborn Genetic and Toxin Screening Expansion Act (bill is pending a sponsor) would:

• Automatically include this testing in the heel prick blood draw and painless saliva cheek swab test, with an opt-out option for parents.
• Ensure that all genetic and toxin information remains confidential and anonymous.
• Allow parents to opt in to share anonymous toxin exposure data with researchers, helping to identify public health risks.
• Cover costs through insurance or federal programs, funded by tariffs and taxes on chemical companies.

We, the undersigned, call on our Senators and Representatives to sponsor the Newborn Genetic and Toxin Screening Expansion Act.

Every child deserves a healthy start in life. Every parent deserves the knowledge to protect their child. And America deserves a healthier future.

Sign this petition and urge Congress to act now.