WHEREAS, Research continues to show umbilical cord blood and placenta-derived stem cells as vehicles for potential treatments of some life-threatening conditions; and

WHEREAS, Stem cells obtained from umbilical cord blood and placenta blood can be used in the treatment of leukemia, multiple myeloma, sickle-cell disease, lymphoma and other terminal illnesses in some patients; and

WHEREAS, These stem cells obtained from umbilical cord blood and placenta blood also are being evaluated for other diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lung diseases and spinal cord injuries; and

WHEREAS, Research has found that in addition to cord blood, the placenta can yield significantly more CD 34+ stem cells—cells that matter most for transplant success; and

WHEREAS, Research utilizing stem cells from the umbilical cord and placenta is another promising, non-controversial alternative to embryonic stem cell research; and

WHEREAS, Private companies are working to make more umbilical cord blood and placenta-blood banking available to families and to research facilities.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by {insert state legislature}, that the legislature encourages increased public awareness about umbilical cord blood and placenta-blood banking and donation and acknowledges the positive contributions of private entities who are working to expand umbilical cord blood and placenta-cord banking programs and the researchers seeking to utilize these stem cells for important medical research.

Approved by ALEC Board of Directors on June 3, 2010. Reapproved by ALEC’s Health and Human Services Task Force at the ALEC Annual Meeting on Friday, July 24, 2015. Reapproved by ALEC Board of Directors on September 4, 2015.