Maryland § 19-308.7
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 19-308.7, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-308.7.
(a) Unless it is medically inadvisable, each hospital shall allow a pregnant patient to arrange for the donation of the blood extracted from the umbilical cord of the patient’s newborn child to a certified public cord blood bank.
(b) A patient who agrees to donate cord blood to a public cord blood bank may not be charged for the costs of collecting, storing, or transporting the cord blood.
(c) A hospital is not required to collect cord blood if in the professional judgment of a licensed physician the collection of the cord blood would threaten the health of the mother or newborn child.
(d) A hospital or hospital employee, including a physician, nurse, or other medical staff, may not be required to collect cord blood if the collection of cord blood conflicts with the bona fide religious practices and beliefs of the hospital or hospital employee.
(e) This section may not be construed to require a hospital to arrange for the donation of blood extracted from umbilical cords.
(f) (1) The Department, in consultation with obstetricians, the Maryland Hospital Association, and interested groups, shall develop educational materials concerning the values, uses, and donation of umbilical cord blood for the purposes of paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(2) Each obstetrician and hospital that provides obstetrical services shall distribute the educational materials described in paragraph (1) of this subsection to pregnant patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 19-308.7
What does Maryland Code § 19-308.7 cover?
Section 19-308.7 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 19-308.7?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 19-308.7" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 19-308.7 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.