Biomedical Debate Topic - 2008-09

Topic: “Cord Blood for Sale.”

The HOSA Biomedical Debate event is a modified Lincoln-Douglas debate, with a focus on biomedical values and ethics. This year's topic, "Cord Blood for Sale" gives teams an opportunity to learn everything they can about cord blood and cord blood banking, and then determine the reasons why selling cord blood would, or would not, be a good idea. It should be a very clear and straightforward values debate. There will be no additional information or resolution statement announced.

Competitors in this event are encouraged to take some time to look at the pros and cons of cord blood banking, and then ask themselves, should parents be able to sell cord blood? Why? Why not? The more that competitors know about cord blood, cord blood banking, and the uses of cord blood, the better off they will be in sustaining a debate on the issues.