by Deborah Condon

A couple's decision not to allow their baby son to undergo a 'heel pinprick' screening test for PKU, has been upheld in the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment.

PKU (phenylketonuria) is a genetic disorder which prevents the normal use of protein food. The food we eat contains proteins, one part of which (phenylalanine) cannot be broken down by a person with the disorder. Without treatment, PKU can lead to impaired brain development, however this can be prevented by early detection and the use of a controlled non-protein diet.

The landmark case saw the North Western Health Board fail in its challenge to carry out the test on the now one-year-old boy. The boy's parents had objected to the test on the grounds that it was an invasive procedure.

The heel pinprick test is administered to new born babies in all of the State's maternity hospitals. It involves taking a very small sample of blood from the heel, in order to test for metabolic disorders, such as PKU.

In the Supreme Court judgment, Ms Justice Susan Denham upheld the couple's decision stating that if the court was to order it, this would mean that parents would have no rights to refuse such tests, which would have far reaching implications for the amount of State intervention for children.

Parents with unorthodox or unpopular parenting methods could find themselves subject to State intervention, she said. While she disagreed with the parents' decision not to allow the test, they had the liberty to make that choice, she added.

The ruling was supported by a four to one majority by the Supreme Court.