The Ministry of Health has banned the export of stem cells taken from newborns' placentas and sent a memo, to the Kingdom's border checkpoints, with information about how the cells are packaged and shipped. The ministry explained in the memo that the stem cells are shipped in blood packed in 100-milligram packets and kept in small bags at 4 to 8 degrees Centigrade. The bags have “medical waste” written on them and a notice warning against their exposure to radiation, which kills the cells. The Ministry of Health urged customs inspectors to stop any shipments of this blood and immediately provide reports if it is found. King Abdul Aziz Medical City in Riyadh, which delivered almost 8,700 babies in 2008, is establishing blood banks for stem cells derived from mothers' umbilical cords. It has prepared special rooms for extracting the cells and storing them for 15 to 20 years. The stem cells, which are checked for infectious and hereditary diseases before they are stored, are used for treating cancer, diabetes and other diseases. The hospital encouraged women to donate their cord blood so it can be used if their child or someone else needs it.
