Press Release: Ontario Launches Fetal Blood Type Screening to Advance Pregnancy Care

New province-wide screening supports more personalized pregnancy care while reducing unnecessary interventions

Ottawa, ON – September 23, 2026 — BORN Ontario and Prenatal Screening Ontario are pleased to announce the launch of two new publicly funded prenatal screening tests that use a blood sample from a pregnant individual to determine fetal blood type. As part of Ontario's $9.8M overall investment in prenatal screening services, the addition of these tests supports a precision medicine approach to prenatal care by ensuring that treatment and monitoring for Rh incompatibility and related conditions are directed only to pregnancies that require them. By replacing a traditional one-size-fits-all approach with more individualized care, these tests help reduce unnecessary interventions, optimize the use of health care resources, and improve access to leading-edge prenatal care for families across Ontario.

Key Highlights:

• Two new publicly funded tests available for pregnant individuals living in Ontario:
• Fetal RHD screening for RhD-negative pregnant individuals to guide appropriate use of RhD immune globulin (RhIG) treatment.
• Alloimmunized fetal blood group genotyping for pregnant individuals with select antibodies, helping guide pregnancy monitoring and care.
• Improves the identification and management of pregnancies at risk of alloimmunization and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).
• Reduces unnecessary exposure to blood products and interventions, and supports the responsible use and conservation of RhIG, a human blood product.

“Our government is ensuring Ontario families have access to innovative and world-class prenatal care. The introduction of non-invasive fetal blood type screening is another step forward in providing expectant parents with the best possible care while strengthening Ontario’s leadership in pregnancy and newborn health.’’ The Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

“This new screening program represents a significant advancement in precision prenatal care. By better identifying which pregnancies require intervention and monitoring, we can tailor care more effectively and improve outcomes for both pregnant individuals and babies.’' Dr. Barbra de Vrijer, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

“Families across Ontario will now have access to another advanced, evidence-based screening that supports informed care decisions closer to home. This is an important milestone in our mission of delivering equitable prenatal care throughout the province.’’ Shelley Dougan, Director Prenatal Screening Ontario 

Why This Matters
Alloimmunization and HDFN can pose serious risks to pregnancy when undetected or unmonitored. Until now, care providers have had to rely on a broader precautionary approach - including routine RhIG administration for all RhD-negative individuals, regardless of whether the fetus is RhD-positive. These new tests allow that care to be individualized based on the fetus's actual blood type and risk profile, sparing many pregnant individuals unnecessary treatment while ensuring those at genuine risk receive timely, targeted care. This also supports better stewardship of RhIG, a human blood product in limited supply.

Acknowledgment
BORN Ontario and Prenatal Screening Ontario are proud to partner with Sinai Health (Mount Sinai Hospital) and Canadian Blood Services in providing these important laboratory tests. Their clinical expertise and leadership in high-quality laboratory testing have been essential in advancing this province-wide screening initiative.

Quick Links
Fetal Blood Type Screening/Testing | Prenatal Screening Ontario
BORN Ontario Fetal Blood Group Genotyping

For media inquiries or to schedule interviews, please contact:
Emilie Rowe
BORN Ontario / Prenatal Screening Ontario
Email: erowe@bornontario.ca
www.prenatalscreeningontario.ca
www.bornontario.ca