What is Cord Blood Banking?
If you have recently had a baby or are expecting then you will have probably already heard of cord blood banking. Umbilical cord blood is human blood from the placenta and umbilical cord which is rich in hematopoietic stem cells. Cord blood is collected after the umbilical cord has been detached from the newborn and utilised as a source of stem cells for transplantation.
This cord blood is stored in cord blood banks. Private cord blood banks are for profit organisations that store cord blood for the exclusive use of the donor or donor’s relatives. Public cord blood banking is strongly supported by the medical community. However, private cord blood banking is generally not recommended unless there is a family history of specific genetic diseases. Private banking is unlawful in some countries and opposed by numerous ethical science groups.
Those expecting a baby are likely to be contacted about cord blood banking. Cord blood contains very important cells which are necessary to develop a healthy immune system. Cord blood can not only be used for your baby but for others that have the same type of blood and tissue. It is therefore very valuable.
You can bank your baby’s blood in a public cord blood bank or a private cord blood bank. If you deposit the cord blood in a public bank, it can be used by anyone who needs it. If you choose to store it in a private bank, it can only be used at your discretion for your child or compatible family members.
Cord blood can be used to help treat or cure many illnesses including some cancers. No one loses out in this process. The umbilical cord would otherwise be thrown out and wasted so collecting it to possibly help someone else in the future is a great idea.
The decision to donate your baby’s cord blood is completely up to the baby’s parents. It can be costly if you deposit it in a private bank but it could be worth while to possibly help your family in the future if they suffer from certain serious illnesses. Donating to a public bank could help many people who otherwise might succumb to a fatal illness. Either way, it’s something to seriously consider.
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