Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank Legislation Proposed in United States

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Congressman Chris Smith, a champion of the rights of the unborn, introduced legislation last week that will significantly increase the nation’s inventory of stem cells obtained from placentas and umbilical cords, materials that have been proven to successfully treat a number of life-threatening diseases. While blood from the placenta and umbilical cord is rich in stem cells and successful in treating diseases, the nation’s inventory of cord blood units is too small and not genetically diverse enough, meaning ethnic minorities frequently find difficulties in securing timely transplants with units currently available.  Smith’s legislation authorizes $15 million in federal funds during Fiscal Year 2004 and $30 million in FY 05 to subsidize blood centers throughout the nation that agree to collect, prepare, and store the blood units that would then be available for use in transplantation treatments.  Smith’s goal is to boost and maintain the inventory to 150,000 units, a supply that would enable 90 % of the population to secure an acceptable stem cell match.  An example of cord blood’s healing powers can be seen in treating sickle cell anemia, a painful blood-clotting condition that damages organs and tissue caused by abnormally shaped blood cells.  Sickle cell anemia can be successfully treated with stem cells from the placenta and umbilical cord. Because this disease disproportionately affects people of African decent, who currently face a less likely chance of finding a proper match, these patients will especially benefit from the larger inventory of diverse cord blood units.