Placenta Donation

The amniotic membrane is the inner layer of the placenta that surrounds and protects your baby throughout pregnancy, providing the perfect environment for optimal growth and development. This sophisticated membrane is packed with essential nutrients and growth-promoting factors, and boasts impressive anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and immunomodulatory (capable of regulating the immune system) properties. Due to these remarkable biological characteristics, the amniotic membrane has become a valuable resource in various fields of regenerative medicine.

Unfortunately, after most babies are born, the birth tissue (placenta, amniotic membrane and umbilical cord) is often discarded as medical waste. However, with your consent, Wesley Research Institute can collect these tissues, allowing you to share the miracle and contribute to vital medical advancements.

Wesley Research Institute collaborates with Australian companies and research institutes that use donated birth tissue to develop innovative medical products, such as an allograft used in the treatment of chronic wounds and a novel cell therapy being trialled in the treatment of stroke.

Donating birth tissue is a simple yet powerful way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. By sharing this precious gift, you and your baby can offer a second chance at life to those in need.

What is involved

After discussing with your obstetrician, if you would like to donate your placenta, the process involves a few simple steps:

1. Attend an appointment at Wesley Research Institute with one of our donor coordinators prior to the date booked for your caesarean procedure. The purpose of this appointment is to review and sign a formal consent form giving permission for the donation and to complete a confidential social and medical history questionnaire. This questionnaire will take approximately 20 minutes to complete and contains a range of questions about your health and lifestyle. The questions are similar to those asked before donating blood and are required by law to assess the safety of the donation.
2. On the day of your caesarean procedure, a blood sample will be obtained and sent for testing to ensure the absence of infectious diseases. We will aim to collect this blood sample during the insertion of the intravenous line for your caesarean procedure, so you won’t need an additional needle stick.
3. Following the delivery of your baby, a Wesley Research Institute donor coordinator will work with the theatre staff to collect the birth tissue, which would otherwise be discarded as medical waste.

Please note that if you decide to donate your birth tissue: 

• It will not affect your baby’s delivery or the care you receive. The collection of your birth tissue takes place after your baby is born so there is no risk to you or your baby.
• There is no cost to you for any part of the donation process.
• It is illegal under Australian law to pay for human tissue, and as such the donation of your birth tissue is considered a gift.