Bill · started in the Commons
Umbilical Cord Blood (Donation) Bill
A Bill to Promote the donation of cord blood from women after giving birth; and for connected purposes
In progress
Current stage: 2nd reading (Commons)
The story so farThe Umbilical Cord Blood (Donation) Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 8 January 2008 by Mr David Burrowes (Conservative). It is now at second reading in the House of Commons. Second reading is the first debate on the overall principle of the bill; if the bill clears it, detailed committee scrutiny follows.
What the bill does
<p>Blood taken from the umbilical cord of newborns is rich in stem cells and can be stored in blood banks for later use. It is used mainly as an alternative to bone marrow transplantation in blood disorders such as leukaemia and thalassaemia. Additional potential uses for cord blood stem cells are emerging and they may offer an alternative to stem cells sourced from human embryos.</p><p>The Bill seeks to increase the supply of cord blood in the UK by:</p><ul><li>creating a duty on the Secretary of State to promote cord blood donation and issue guidance to medical practitioners </li><li>establishing a system of target setting and annual reporting </li></ul>
Progress through Parliament
- 1st reading Commons 8 Jan 2008
- 2nd reading Commons Current
Source: the official bill page. Last updated 30 Oct 2008.