Asunto(s)
Bancos de Sangre/legislación & jurisprudencia , Sangre Fetal , Trasplante de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas/legislación & jurisprudencia , Propiedad/legislación & jurisprudencia , Investigación/legislación & jurisprudencia , Adulto , Productos Biológicos , Biotecnología/legislación & jurisprudencia , Conservación de la Sangre , Comercio , Padre , Femenino , Sangre Fetal/citología , Derechos Humanos , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Consentimiento Informado , Responsabilidad Legal , Masculino , Madres , Patentes como Asunto , Rol del Médico , Consentimiento por Terceros , Recolección de Tejidos y Órganos/legislación & jurisprudencia , Estados UnidosAsunto(s)
Etiquetas de Secuencia Expresada , Genes , Investigación Genética/legislación & jurisprudencia , Patentes como Asunto , Biotecnología/legislación & jurisprudencia , Análisis Ético , Investigación Genética/economía , Propiedad Intelectual , Biología Molecular , Patentes como Asunto/ética , Factores de Tiempo , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
In this Article, Professor Stephen R. Munzer makes a case for limited property rights in umbilical cord blood. Professor Munzer proposes that the unique nature of cord blood distinguishes it from body wastes and qualifies it as a body part in which property rights vest. Employing a theory of property, based in part on the articulation of the principles of utility and efficiency, justice and equality, and "labor-desert," he explores legal and philosophical arguments that justify the acknowledgment of such rights. He also discusses concerns over alleged generous granting of patents in the area of cord blood stem cells in light of these principles. Significant aspects of health policy are explored with particular focus on the potential value of using cord blood to treat various diseases and disorders. Professor Munzer discusses various difficult cases involving the exercise of property rights in umbilical cord blood with respect to the interests and/or motives of newborns, parents, and other parties. He argues that some of the concerns associated with the commercialization and commodification of cord blood are not serious enough to warrant significant barriers to market exchanges of property rights in cord blood. In addition, he concludes that the particular nature and harvesting of cord blood do not make its commodification morally problematic. Finally, Professor Munzer reinforces his treatment of property rights in cord blood by addressing objections that view property as "propriety," as a pragmatic institution, or as social relations.