Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of dedicated funding for pre-eclampsia testing in every Health Board – helping to protect thousands of pregnant mothers and babies in Scotland. This means that, for the first time, expectant mothers in Scotland will soon have access to placental growth factor (PlGF) testing, a simple blood test to help diagnose pre-eclampsia that has been available in England since 2016.
Pre-eclampsia is a potentially devastating pregnancy complication that can prove fatal for both mother and baby if not identified early and carefully monitored. It remains one of the two main causes of maternal death worldwide, and in Scotland, an estimated 5,260 pregnant people present with suspected pre-eclampsia every year.
Despite guidance from the Scottish Health Technologies Group in 2023, Health Boards have failed to implement PlGF-based testing, citing the lack of funding as a key barrier. This new dedicated Government funding marks a victory for APEC’s Clark’s Campaign, led by bereaved parents Ami and Stuart Geddes to ensure that PlGF-based testing is available in Scotland for every pregnant woman who needs it.
In January 2021, baby Clark Geddes had to be delivered at just 24 weeks, after his mum Ami became life-threateningly ill with pre-eclampsia during her pregnancy. Tragically, Clark died just 12 days later. The campaigners met with First Minister John Swinney on 8th August 2024 to discuss the need to secure access to testing across Scotland.
Marcus Green, Chief Executive of Action on Pre-eclampsia said: “Nearly 18 months after PlGF-based testing for pre-eclampsia was recommended for use in Scotland, it’s welcome to see that the Scottish Government is now funding its implementation across the nation. There is no doubt that access to this testing will help save the lives of mothers and babies across Scotland, finally giving them the care that they need.
“We launched Clark’s campaign with Ami and Stuart Geddes in memory of their little boy, so that no other parent would have to endure the tragedy of losing a baby to pre-eclampsia. It’s because of them and all the other families like them that this result matters so much. We’re proud that our years of campaigning have come to fruition and thank everyone who has supported us. Heath Boards must now ensure that this funding is put to use by taking steps to implement PlGF-based testing in their areas.”
Stuart Geddes, Clark’s Campaign lead, said: “When Ami and I had Clark, he was perfect - but his lungs just weren’t strong enough and he tragically passed away. Since then, we’ve campaigned to get proper pre-eclampsia testing for women in Scotland who really need it. It’s brilliant news that the Scottish Government is going to fund this thanks to Clark’s Campaign. We could not be prouder that our little man’s life will be saving the lives of mums and babies right here in his own country.”
