Ethical aspects of the expansion of neonatal screening programme due to technological advances.

Many countries are considering the expansion of their newborn bloodspot screening programmes. Whereas some countries screen for very few conditions, others are planning to screen for dozens. While advances in technology may facilitate this expansion, they must not lead it at the expense of considerations of the possible harms of this expansion. This article reviews some of the potential disbenefits of this expansion and outlines the ethical issues that should be considered.