Background: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is increasingly recognised as a valuable source of stem cells for clinical treatment and biomedical research, including genetic research. However, its collection, storage and use raise ethical, legal and social issues relating to informed consent, cultural and religious beliefs, privacy, confidentiality, and ownership and control of biological materials. This study explored these issues in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria.

Methods: This qualitative study involved 25 participants: medical doctors, recently delivered parents, pregnant women, biomedical researchers and community members. Key informant and in-depth interviews were conducted over five weeks, audio-recorded, transcribed and de-identified. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive coding and a framework approach in Atlas.ti 20.

Results: Participants had limited knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework governing UCB collection, banking and genetic research. Cultural and religious beliefs influenced their views on UCB collection and use. Participants raised concerns about consent (including mother, father and child interests), privacy, ownership, and commercialisation, and were uncertain how Nigerian laws apply to UCB banking and genetic research.

Conclusion: This study adds empirical evidence from Nigeria on how consent, cultural beliefs, and ownership of cord blood are understood, and shows that clear legal and regulatory guidance is needed to protect mothers and children. Such guidance should address consent arrangements, the interests of the child, privacy and confidentiality, ownership and control of biological materials, and the responsibilities of researchers and UCB banks. It should also consider cultural and religious beliefs and promote public awareness.