Psychosocial issues in newborn screening for cystic fibrosis

Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis remains controversial because there is still little agreement that prophylactic interventions provide substantial long-term benefits. In such situations, where there are some medical benefits and the costs are not prohibitive, it is important to consider the psychosocial implications of screening. This paper reviews the evidence on the psychosocial issues raised by newborn screening for cystic fibrosis, in particular the issues of parental attitudes to screening, the evidence from families with an affected infant, the evidence from families with a carrier infant and the lessons for service delivery.