Irish hospital relents to mother's request for cord blood collection...

In Cavan, Ireland, the hospital wasn't going to let an expectant mother arrange for the collection of umbilical cord blood that would later be stored. Citing vague ethical concerns and arguing that the likelihood of the cord blood being used dejustified the practice, the hospital refused requests for collection. That changed after The Sunday Times highlighted one particular case.

You can read the whole story here.

Here's an excerpt:

"A CAVAN hospital has relented to a pregnant woman’s request that she be allowed to harvest stem cells from her baby’s umbilical cord when she gives birth. Cavan General entered into a confidential deal with Catherina McCauley to have the procedure carried out after her case was highlighted by The Sunday Times.

McCauley, a scientist who was due to give birth this weekend, was told by hospital officials last month that staff would not permit her to collect stem cells from her newborn’s blood. McCauley, who wants to freeze the stem cells to combat illnesses her children may suffer in the future, has signed a legal waiver absolving Cavan General of liability should the procedure fail."

I don't know if, in pure economic terms, cord blood banking is a solid financial decision, but I do support freedom of choice with respect to the matter and am glad the hospital acquiesced to McCauley's wishes. Congratulations, Ms. McCauley, and best wishes for the child's healthy birth!