Umbilical Cord Blood Bill Introduced

(Columbus, OH) State Representative Todd Book recently introduced a bill to promote umbilical cord blood donation (H.B. 102), which requires the Ohio Department of Health to provide information via its web site containing information on umbilical cord blood banking and donation. The Department of Health would encourage health care professionals to provide the materials to pregnant women as well.

Umbilical cord blood is an excellent and ethical source of stem cells that can be obtained with no risk to the mother or child. Stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood have been used to successfully treat over 70 diseases including sickle cell anemia, leukemia, and lymphoma.

Unfortunately, most umbilical cord blood is currently being discarded after birth. This is especially tragic because cord blood is often matched by racial and ethnic background and many patients who are most in need of a transplant cannot find a suitable match.

"Ohio Right to Life strongly supports H.B. 102," said Mike Gonidakis, President of Ohio Right to Life. "Better public awareness about cord blood donation should increase the number of donations and increase the likelihood of patients obtaining the matches they need."

H.B. 102 enjoys strong bipartisan support as outlined by the bills following Co-Sponsors: Dan Dodd; Brian Williams; Marian Harris; Kenny Yuko; John Adams; Jeff Wagner; Randy Gardner; Sandra Harwood; Matt Huffman; Robert Mecklenborg; Peggy Lehner; Mark Okey; Tim DeGeeter; Scott Oelslager; Tim Derickson; Kris Jordan; Lynn Wachtmann; Ron Amstutz; John Domenick; and Jennifer Garrison.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mike Gonidakis
DATE: 12-09-2008
PHONE: (614) 547-0099 x - 301