Last update:
07-Oct-2018

The collection and cryopreservation of umbilical cord blood (CB) to be used as an alternative to bone marrow transplantation, has been developed in recent years. Umbilical cord blood contains, in high concentration, progenitor stem cells that can graft into the recipient and substitute bone marrow function, producing bone marrow cells of the related or unrelated donor. Research has been focused on investigation of factors that influence decision-making about CB donation. During the period 2010–2016, three field surveys on this subject were conducted in the Attica region of Greece, with a total sample of 808 pregnant women. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on: (a) The level of information and knowledge of the respondents about CB donation, (b) forming of an attitude towards consent for CB donation, (c) decision-making regarding consent for CB donation. The main source of information for respondents, according to all three surveys, was the internet and the environment of friends and family. One of the main reasons given for the act of consent is the feeling of solidarity that has been growing over time. The women's decision regarding donation was influenced primarily by the spouse. Public figures and the Church do not appear to influence this decision, while the personal physician had not usually given relevant information to the prospective donors. Through appropriate updating of the legislative framework, and the accreditations that have been created in recent years, earlier concerns about cryopreservation of genetic material and the management of personal data appear to have subsided. These surveys that were conducted using quantitative research methodology, produced results that indicate a need for further, multi-factorial, investigation of the incentives for women to give their consent to umbilical cord blood donation.

Key words: Consent, Cord blood, Donation, Stem cells.