Can You Sell Your Placenta?

The short answer is no, you cannot sell your placenta in the United States, and here’s why.

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Legal Restrictions on Selling Placentas

In the United States, selling your placenta—or any other body part for that matter—is illegal. The National Organ Transplantation Act (NOTA) prohibits the sale of human organs, including placentas. The act defines a "human organ" as any part of the human body, which extends to subparts such as tissues, cells, and even placentas. This makes it clear that no matter the potential uses of a placenta, selling it for profit is strictly off-limits.

In addition, most hospitals treat the placenta as medical waste and are governed by biohazard disposal laws. Under federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, placentas must be stored and disposed of in biohazard containers. However, there are exceptions where hospitals can allow parents to take their placenta home for personal use, as in certain states that have specific laws allowing placenta release after delivery.

Why Do People Think They Can Sell Their Placenta?

The misconception that placentas can be sold often stems from stories about hospitals or companies using placentas for research, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals. For example, some hospitals in the UK harvest placentas from consenting mothers to extract valuable proteins that are sold to laboratories. However, it’s important to note that this practice is limited to certain countries, and even in those cases, placentas are not “sold” in the traditional sense. Instead, mothers sign consent forms and may receive a small token donation for research purposes.

Additionally, traditional uses of placentas in various cultures—such as burying them or consuming them—also contribute to the idea that placentas are valuable. For instance, some cultures view the placenta as a sacred organ that symbolizes the connection between mother, baby, and nature.

Placenta Encapsulation and CDC Guidelines

One popular trend surrounding placentas is encapsulation, where the placenta is dehydrated, ground, and placed into pills for consumption. While many mothers claim benefits such as improved postpartum recovery and enhanced mood, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued warnings against the practice. According to the CDC, placenta encapsulation may carry health risks, as there is potential for harmful bacteria to be present in the capsules. In one case, a newborn contracted a bacterial infection linked to the consumption of contaminated placenta capsules by the mother. Therefore, the CDC recommends avoiding placenta encapsulation due to these potential risks.

Alternatives to Selling or Encapsulating Your Placenta

Although selling your placenta or consuming it in capsule form may not be the best option, there are other beneficial uses for your placenta, particularly in the realm of stem cell preservation. One growing trend is cord blood banking, where stem cells from the placenta and umbilical cord are collected and stored for potential future medical use. Companies like Anja Health offer services that allow parents to freeze and store these stem cells, which could be invaluable in treating certain diseases or medical conditions down the line.

Stem cells from the placenta and umbilical cord have regenerative properties and can be used in the treatment of blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and even certain cancers. By freezing and storing these cells, parents are essentially making an investment in their child’s future health. It’s a much safer and scientifically backed option compared to placenta encapsulation.

Conclusion

In summary, no, you cannot legally sell your placenta in the U.S. due to federal regulations. Although hospitals and research facilities may use placentas for research purposes, the sale of these organs is prohibited. Placenta encapsulation is also discouraged by the CDC due to health risks.

If you’re looking for a meaningful and scientifically supported way to use your placenta, consider cord blood banking with a company like Anja Health. By freezing and storing your baby’s stem cells, you ensure access to potentially life-saving treatments in the future.

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