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Placenta is ideal stem-cell source, researcher tells Vatican conference

CWN - November 11, 2011

As leading researchers gathered in Rome for a Vatican conference on the use of adult stem cells, one participant spoke about the use of stem cells taken from human placentas.

Dr. Robert Hariri described the placenta as “nature’s perfect graft material.” Stem cells taken from placentas can be used for many different purposes, addressing problems in almost any part of the human body, he said. Moreover, placentas are easily abundant, providing an abundant source of useful stem cells without involving any harm to living humans.

Asked about government support for his research, Dr. Hariri tacitly admitted that researchers working with embryonic stem cells have been more successful in obtaining funds. “There are underlying political and media agendas which sometimes distort the reality,” he told Vatican Radio.

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  • Posted by: AgnesDay - Nov. 11, 2011 1:57 PM ET USA

    Does anyone know how one goes about donating or storing placental tissue? We finally have a grandbaby coming, and it would be a great thing to do for her.

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