Appropriating human remains

4 million babies are born in the United States each year and 99 percent of their cord blood is discarded.

Many experts believe that primitive tissue called stem cells will be routinely used in the future for repair of human tissues. These generic cells can be prompted to develop into all sorts of specialized tissue and might replace tissue damaged by many different diseases, especially such brain ailments as strokes and Alzheimer's disease. One source of stem cells is aborted foetuses or fertility clinics' discarded embryos. However, this is especially contentious since anti-abortion groups oppose foetal and embryonic stem cell research. In many countries, there are limitations on the research use of stem cells from these sources. Umbilical cords could be an excellent source of stem cells without the ethical headaches of foetal tissue.