The Value of Cord Blood Banking
Your baby's cord blood is a valuable source of non-controversial stem cells; the building blocks of our blood and immune systems. Cord blood stem cells, like bone marrow stem cells, are free of political and ethical debate. The value and benefits of stem cells found in umbilical cord blood are clear; cord blood collection saves lives today and medical researchers are exploring new uses for umbilical cord blood stem cells for tomorrow, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Storing your newborn's cord blood means that should there be a need, your baby will have a source of stem cells that is an exact match, with no risk of rejection. There is also a strong possibility that his/her siblings will be a match as well. This is important because clinical studies demonstrate that stem cell transplants are nearly twice as successful when the stem cells come from a family member rather than from a non-relative (e.g., a public bank).