New Mercy program allows mothers to donate placentas for research

ST. LOUIS, Mo., (KBSI) — Mercy hospitals across the Midwest have launched a program allowing new mothers to donate their placentas for research and to help others.

The Beginnings and Blessings program enables mothers to opt-in to donate their birth tissue, which can be used to treat wounds, burns and other conditions.

According to Dr. Margaret Marcrander, Mercy St. Louis chief of staff and practicing OB/GYN, the program was initiated in response to patient interest in donating tissues.

Mothers who participate in the program see it as a way to help others while also reducing medical waste.

Donating newborn tissue is done at no cost to patients and can potentially benefit up to 100 people.

The program is currently available at Mercy hospitals in Missouri, with plans to expand to Arkansas and Oklahoma hospitals later this summer.