Cord blood is the blood left in the umbilical cord and placenta following the birth of a child. It’s a potent and noncontroversial source of stem cells, which are currently being used to treat and cure more than 80 life-threatening illnesses, including many cancers, immune deficiencies and genetic disorders. Just as important, neither the mother nor child is harmed in the collection of cord blood, and the collection does not interfere with the birthing process.

Cord blood is becoming the favored source of stem cells used in transplant therapy. It has many distinct advantages. Cord blood is easy to collect, store and access quickly for a transplant.

Unlike embryonic stem cells, cord blood is not controversial or unethical in any way. Cord blood has no political or religious issues, and neither mother or child are harmed in the painless collection.

Save the Cord Foundation understands that many pregnant women have questions about cord blood and the collection process. Please visit our FAQ or read stories shared by families who have gone through the process.

More information about cord blood is also available at:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
cordblood.org
marrow.org

It is important to note when conducting further research regarding cord blood that many “informational” cord blood sites appear to be unbiased, but are actually owned by various for-profit, private cord blood banks. Be sure to thoroughly research the site before considering the information you read.