On August 1, 2007 Governor Eliot Spitzer signed into law a piece of legislation strongly supported by the New York State Catholic Conference that will promote the donation, collection, preservation and storage of umbilical cord blood for research and treatment. The bill was originally drafted by the Catholic Conference in 2004 and unanimously passed both the Senate and Assembly. A statement on the enactment of the law by Conference Director of Pro-Life Activities Kathleen M. Gallagher is below.

“It is with great joy that we announce the enactment of New York State’s very own umbilical cord blood promotion law. This law will require education, outreach and research into the benefits of cord blood donation and cord blood stem cells. New York State will soon embark on a new campaign to raise the public’s awareness about both public and private umbilical cord blood banking.

“Umbilical cords, traditionally treated as medical waste in hospital delivery rooms across the state, have now been proven to be a rich source of adult stem cells. These cord blood cells have already successfully treated at least 50 different illnesses and diseases including anemia, immune deficiency diseases, leukemia and various other cancers, lupus and Tay Sachs disease.

“Cord blood donation requires no expense, is completely safe, and can literally save the lives of persons who are suffering with life-threatening disorders.

“We are grateful to Senator John DeFrancisco (R-Syracuse) and Assemblyman Joseph Lentol (D-Brooklyn), the lead sponsors of the measure, as well as to Governor Eliot Spitzer for signing the legislation.

“We look forward to swift implementation of the law by our State Health Department so that more pregnant women will know of their option to donate their babies’ cord blood and more lives can be saved from this ethical stem cell source.”

The new law will take effect on January 28, 2008.

The Catholic Conference represents New York State’s Bishops in matters of public policy.