[Coleus]

Cord Blood Stem-Cell Research Working

Illinois seeks donations of umbilical-cord blood (for stem cells)

Legislation to Bolster Nation's Supply of Cord Blood Stem Cells

Senators Hear Alternatives to Embryonic Stem Cells: Adult Stem Cells, Umbilical Cord Blood

Umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells given intravenously reduce stroke damage

What Some Scientists Really Hope to Find in Stem-Cell Research

John Kerry Challenged on Embryonic Stem Cell Research in the Presidential Debate

[dandelion]

I'm so glad they are finally getting the word out on this - six years ago I desperately TRIED to save or donate my cord blood, and I was told it would cost me $5000. I simply couldn't afford it...

[endthematrix]

My wife, Dr., and I discussed this and agreed not to private bank. My wife and I had no idea we could donate. We would of.

[conservative cat]

I looked into donating before I had my baby last November, but no hospitals near were affiliated with the donation programs. I really hope they make it easier for donations.

[Ptarmigan]

Umbilical cords are thrown away. What a waste. Now, they have beneficial uses.

[adiaireton8]

My daughter's life was saved by an umbilical cord blood transplant five years ago. Whoever that donor was, I'm sure grateful.

- A8

[Mr. Silverback]

ProLife Ping!

If anyone wants on or off my ProLife Ping List, please notify me here or by freepmail.

[Aetius]

for later

[geopyg]

My wife and I were just talking about the stem cell research this evening (I liked Bush's comment about balancing science and ethics).

My wife asked - "How about still-born children? Lots of women lose their babies early - before three months. Can stem cells be obtained from them?"

I said "Yeah - just like we can be organ donors - the parents could opt for their unborn child to be an organ donor."

Not sure at what level the stem cells are too "grown up" to be used for research though.

[soccermom]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!! I have a baby due in 3 weeks and have been deliberating over what to do with the cord blood. (I haven't asked what it costs to bank it, but assumed it was very cost-prohibitive.) Now, I can feel good, knowing I can donate it.

[Talking_Mouse]

read later

[hocndoc]

Thanks for posting this.

My granddaughter was born with a congenital anemia and very low white blood cells. The hematologist says Roni's case doesn't fit any pattern we know. By one year old, Roni was getting a shot every night to stimulate her red blood cell and white blood cell count, but both numbers stayed low. At 15 months, Roni received a transplant of umbilical cord stem cells from some incredibly generous family.

The donor was a boy and a different blood type, but matched the important markers. Roni's blood chromosomes are 46 XY and the type is A pos - she used to be 46, XX and O neg.

But, no more medicines, no shots. She is healthier than most kids.

God is good. (and He uses science - ethical science - to His will.)

[Marie Antoinette]

I'm glad to hear hospitals are no longer "wasting" the blood. Personally, I try to make sure all of my baby's blood ends up inside him before we clamp and cut, but if that were not possible I would want it donated.

[Salvation]

BTTT for Bush. He has the right idea about this!