Umbilical cord cell banking: an issue of self-interest versus altruism.

Stem cells from umbilical cord blood probably now form one of the most commonly banked types of human tissue. Originally stored for the treatment of haematological disorders these stem cells have now been found to be more versatile, even pluripotent, with potential for use in the treatment of a broader range of disorders and diseases and may be particularly valuable in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. This has led to the promotion of private storage of cord blood cells for autologous or family use and a rapidly growing private sector involvement.

Umbilical cord cell banking--implications for the future.

The first successful cord cell transplant to a sibling with Fanconi's anaemia took place 15 years ago. This proven utility of cord blood led to the establishment of cord blood banks both private and public and there are now nearly 100 cord blood banks worldwide. It is estimated that over 200,000 cord blood units (CBU) are held by the private sector and over 160,000 CBU are registered with the largest public cord blood registry.

Regulation of assisted reproductive technology: a case study of Japan.

Most studies on the ethics and provision of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have taken place in the context of the Judaeo-Christian culture of western developed countries. This study looks at ART, its provision and control, in an eastern developed country with a completely different cultural background; Japan. A necessarily brief description of the cultural context of religious belief, the family and reproduction in Japan is followed by a description of the development of ART in Japan together with an analysis of its provision and control.