AMA adopts new ethical policies on umbilical cord blood banking and HIV testing

For immediate release
Nov. 13, 2007

The AMA voted to adopt new ethical guidelines for physicians when discussing fetal umbilical cord blood banking with their patients.  According to the new guidelines, physicians should: encourage donation to public cord blood banks when a patient wishes to donate; obtain consent before labor begins, if possible; disclose any ties they might have to a cord blood bank; and accept no fees or incentives for referral to a cord blood bank.

“Umbilical cord blood stem cells are useful for some therapeutic purposes and as a potential source of stem cells, and physicians should be prepared to discuss cord blood banking options with their patients during pregnancy,” said AMA Board Member William A. Dolan, M.D.

HIV TESTING:  The AMA updated its policy on HIV testing to include guidelines in support of routine HIV testing, while continuing to advocate for protection of patient autonomy and privacy.

“Understanding and treatment of HIV has grown substantially over the past few decades,” said AMA Board Member Ardis Hoven, M.D.  “AMA’s new policy calls on physicians to routinely test consenting adult patients for HIV and reflects the reality that if HIV is detected early infected patients can lead full and productive lives.”

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For more information, please contact:

Melissa Smith
AMA Media Relations
(312) 464-4443