Marcinkova Urges Halt to Umbilical Cord Blood Donations in Slovakia

Bratislava, 2 October (TASR) – MP Vladimira Marcinkova (Freedom and Solidarity) calls on the Health Ministry to halt umbilical cord blood donations in newborns. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, she revealed that law enforcement authorities have launched a criminal investigation into unauthorised collection of organs, tissues and cells, as well as misuse of power by a public official. „We are talking about a serious crime, and I am glad that the authorities I contacted nearly a year ago are now taking it seriously. This is about the health of newborns and the trust of parents in our healthcare system, who believed they were helping cancer patients, for example, by donating cord blood. From my findings, it turns out this wasn’t the case – the cord blood was used for experimental purposes,” said Marcinkova. She expressed satisfaction that in recent months, several hospitals have ended cooperation with problematic companies and organisations behind the donations. However, she warned that some facilities continue to collect cord blood – even from premature babies. „We have a hospital in Malacky (Bratislava region), a fully standard facility, where such therapies have been performed for years. There is also a day surgery clinic here in Bratislava. They promise miracle cures for autistic children or those with cerebral palsy, but these claims have no medical basis,” Marcinkova said. mf