Adult Stem Cells:

In recent years, Texas has continued its leadership role in the medical field by financially investing in the life-saving technology of adult stem cell research and treatment. Texas is also leading the way with the recent creation and efforts of the Texas Cord Blood Bank, a facility that accepts donations of umbilical cord blood, which is rich in adult stem cells, to be later used for life-saving transplants. Texas should not only continue, but increase these efforts for the following reasons:

▪ Adult Stem Cells Treat Numerous Diseases
Adult Stem Cells have been proven successful at treating over 70 different diseases in humans including juvenile diabetes, heart disease, leukemia and spinal cord injuries.[1]

▪ Adult Stem Cells & Umbilical Cord Blood Save Lives
20,000+ Americans are alive because of adult stem cell transplants, including transplants from umbilical cord blood.

▪ Umbilical Cord Blood New Law = Increased Donations
A new law in Texas, HB 709, requires that pregnant mothers be offered a brochure about umbilical cord blood donation and banking. This new law should result in more requests by mothers to donate their child’s cord blood to the Texas Cord Blood Bank, making more future life-saving treatments possible.

▪ Continued Investment & Education = More Lives Saved
Less than 10 hospitals in Texas currently accept umbilical cord blood donations, which are rich in adult stem cells. The Texas Cord Blood Bank is equipped to receive more cord blood donations all across Texas, but they cannot do this without the cooperation of the patient’s hospital. Continued investment in and education by Texas will encourage more hospitals and patients to participate in this life-saving technology, with no cost to the patient, similar to a normal donation of blood.

We, at Free Market Foundation, want to applaud the Texas Legislature for taking a leading role in recognizing the advancements in adult stem cell technology. This wise investment is helping save lives and once again bringing recognition to Texas as a leader in the field of medicine.

We believe this is just the beginning, though, of great things for all Texans. More investment in and education of the life-saving technology related to adult stem cells and umbilical cord blood will surely lead to more lives saved and making Texas a better place to live. With the full support of the Texas Legislature, this goal can become a reality.

Other News and Stories:

Written Testimony of the Joseph Davis Family
Written Testimony of Free Market Foundation
News 8: Lawmakers Hear success of Adult Stem Cell Research
Focus on the Family Action Story on the Davis Family & Adult Stem Cells