Abstract
Recent developments in medical technology permit storage of umbilical cord blood, which contains potentially valuable hematopoietic stem cells. Commercial enterprises offer parents the opportunity to bank their child's cord blood at birth in the event that those cells are later required by the child or another family member for a stem cell transplant. This Note takes a prospective look at what kinds of property disputes may arise concerning the stored umbilical cord blood and how these disputes might be resolved. Since courts are reluctant to define body parts as property, they may instead focus on the interests of the parties as a means to determine which party is entitled to the cord blood. The author proposes an alternative to private ownership of cord blood that may better utilize the technology and serve the needs of society.
How to Cite
39 Ariz. L. Rev. 1391 (1997)
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