HCS SB 971 -- CORD BLOOD BANKING

SPONSOR:  Lembke (Davis)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Health
Care Policy by a vote of 10 to 0.

This substitute requires the Director of the Department of Health
and Senior Services to post on its web site resources relating to
umbilical cord blood that have been developed by the Parent's
Guide to Cord Blood Foundation or a successor organization which
includes an explanation of the potential value and uses of
umbilical cord blood, including cord blood cells and stem cells;
the differences between using one's own blood cord cells and
using related or unrelated cord blood stem cells in the treatment
of disease; the differences between public and private blood
banking; various options for donating, storing, or discarding
cord blood; and other specified subjects.  Beginning October 1,
2010, every licensed physician who provides obstetrical or
gynecological care to a pregnant woman must make available to the
patient prior to the beginning of her third trimester or, if
later, at her first visit the information posted on the
department's web site regarding umbilical cord blood banking.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2011, FY 2012, and
FY 2013.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill provides educational
information to pregnant women on public and private options
regarding cord blood banking as well as to the public and
physicians.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Lembke; Missouri Baptist
Convention, Christian Life Commission; Missouri Family Network;
Missouri Catholic Conference; and Campaign Life Missouri.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:15 pm