Moral Ramifications of Storing Cord Blood

Medical science continues to press against the frontiers of cell development and research. It struggles with the dilemma of playing God with human development and the moral ramifications of collecting stem cells from a developing fetus. But stem cells also occur in bone marrow and in the umbilical cords of our newborn, giving hope to researchers who seek cures for our most-deadly diseases. Today you can save your infant's umbilical cord blood as insurance against the day your family member desperately needs a genetically secure transplant.

Cord Blood Contains Precious Stem Cells

Blood stem cells have been proven to stimulate new, healthy cells in persons suffering from Juvenile Leukemia and Hodgkin's Disease. They show promise in aiding victims of Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, cancer, and strokes. Stem cells originate from bone marrow, circulating blood, and the umbilical cords of newborn infants. Adults donate marrow and circulating cells. Stem cells used in research can come from aborted fetuses, leading to strong moral objections from members of religious groups. However, researchers have discovered that umbilical cord blood stem cells contain the same prized tissues as those taken from embryonic fetuses.

Can Benefits Outweigh the Moral Complications?

Many people believe that umbilical cord blood does not carry the stigma of collected embryonic cells. Following delivery of your full-term baby, the umbilical cord is routinely discarded by the physician. A blood cord donation poses no risk to you or your child. Researchers claim that cord blood is more easily assimilated without rejection than cells extracted from bone marrow. If you store cord blood now with a private bank, you won't be searching for a donor during a family emergency that arises in the future.