Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, so she already knew the benefits and reasons before making the decision to donate. However, Dr. Doll-Pollard said many mothers are not aware of the option. “But almost everyone is willing to donate when they hear that they can,” she said. Some parents are hesitant to donate because of a stigma associated with stem cell research, Doll-Pollard said, many times this reluctance derives from confusion between embryonic and stem cells. “Embryonic cells are usually taken from babies that have been miscarried or who have been aborted,” Doll-Pollard said. “That’s where that controversy leeches from — using embryos.” However, using stem cells is a completely different matter, she said. Umbilical stem cell donation is completely harmless for both mother and baby, Doll-Pollard said, the umbilical cord is simply cut and drained; it does not disrupt delivery of the baby.