House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Modification of the NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme to include screening for Edwards’ syndrome on the antenatal quadruple test
17 December 2025 · Department of Health and Social Care
Proposed by Ashley Dalton Lab West Lancashire
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Department of Health and Social Care accepts the UK National Screening Committee's recommendation to include Edwards' syndrome screening in the antenatal quadruple test.
- The modification applies to women who have not completed the first trimester combined test and are at an increased risk for Edwards' syndrome.
- This change aims to support informed decision-making for pregnant women regarding fetal anomalies.
Issue summary
The minister is announcing a modification to the NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme to include Edwards’ syndrome in the antenatal quadruple test.
Action requested
The Department of Health and Social Care has accepted the UK National Screening Committee’s recommendation to add Edwards’ syndrome screening through the quadruple test for women who have not completed the first trimester combined test. This addition supports informed choice for pregnant women facing an increased chance of Edwards’ syndrome.
Key facts
- Edwards’ syndrome, or Trisomy 18, affects 1 in 1500 pregnancies.
- The quadruple test is already used to screen for Down’s syndrome in the second trimester.
- Pregnant women who have not completed the first trimester combined test can now be offered the quadruple test for Edwards’ syndrome screening.