Judge finds Michigan violates constitution by keeping babies’ blood without parents’ consent

BAY CITY, MI — Owing to a federal judge’s ruling, the state of Michigan must no longer keep nine babies’ blood on file without their parents’ consent. The order sets a precedent that could have ramifications throughout the country.

Since the 1960s, Michigan has collected drops of newborns’ blood for testing of various medical conditions. In doing so, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has diagnosed about 0.2-0.25% of newborns with at least one of 58 disorders.