title: Treatment or crime? The status of stem cell therapies and research in South African law.
abstract: The author develops a thorough analysis of current and proposed South African law in relation to the harvesting and use of stem cells. He begins with the question of ownership of the umbilical cord at birth and afterwards. The problems of informed consent in these situations are discussed. Changes in the law in South Africa, now in progress, should ameliorate some of the difficulties.
authors.affiliation: Werksmans Incorporated, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kirby
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005312:Fetal Blood; D053686:Fetal Stem Cells; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013019:South Africa; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*