What if I told you hospitals are quietly profiting off your birth… without your informed consent?
One of the most overlooked yet deeply concerning aspects of modern obstetric care is what happens to the placenta following hospital births. Most women are unaware that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, their placenta is often claimed by the hospital and can be sold for profit, used in medical research, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic applications.
While a general consent form is signed upon admission to labor and delivery—often during intense moments when the patient is not in a position to review every clause—this “consent” typically includes broad language that permits the hospital to retain and repurpose biological materials, including the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid. Most parents are not informed of this in a transparent or ethical manner.
The placenta is a powerful, bioactive organ, rich in stem cells, hormones, and growth factors. It plays a vital role not only in sustaining life during pregnancy but also holds potential for healing and regeneration postpartum. However, its post-birth value in commercial and medical markets is significant—and this has created a quiet but highly profitable industry. From wound healing patches to high-end skincare products and experimental therapies, the placenta is in high demand.
The ethical issue here is not whether placental tissue should or should not be used in medical science—it’s about informed consent and transparency. Are birthing parents being clearly told that their biological tissue has market value? Are they being given the opportunity to decline or reclaim it for personal or cultural reasons?
This practice raises serious questions about bodily autonomy, medical ethics, and the commodification of childbirth. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is essential to educate yourself on your rights regarding your placenta. You can request to keep it. You can ask for clear documentation on hospital policies. And most importantly, you can choose providers and birth settings that honor your values and bodily sovereignty.
As with many areas of modern medicine, the path toward informed and empowered care begins with asking better questions.
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