Petition · past parliament · Department of Health and Social Care

Fund routine testing for Group B Streptococcus during late pregnancy

Closed 7,752 signatures

What the petition asks

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacteria which is common in pregnancy, the bacteria can spread to the baby and make them seriously ill. GBS is currently not routinely tested for, however can have severe outcomes such as meningitis and sepsis, and in some circumstances can be fatal.
We unfortunately have been affected by GBS, our newborn fell seriously ill from the bacteria, causing sepsis and meningitis, resulting in severe brain damage, hydrocephalus, visual impairment and lifelong heart complications. We are absolutely heartbroken to know this could have been avoided if routine testing was in place.

In putting this petition forward we hope that we can avoid other families going through the same trauma and save other babies lives.

Timeline

7 Mar 2022 Petition opened for signatures
7 Sep 2022 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 7,752
Status Closed
Department Department of Health and Social Care
Opened 7 Mar 2022
Closed 7 Sep 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.