Cord Blood Donations

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8459919.stm

Cord blood can help save the lives of people battling deadly diseases. Unfortunately, many hospitals in the UK don't have the ability to store it. A spokesman for the Anthony Nolan Trust said, "We want the Government to commit to funding a national cord blood collection program. We have many expectant mothers asking to donate the stem cells from their placenta but finding that their local maternity ward doesn't have the ability to do this."

Cord blood contains potent "stem cells", which can start producing healthy cells if placed into the bone marrow. There is no discomfort or risk to the donor.

A spokesperson from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said, "We support the call by the Anthony Nolan Trust for a national cord blood banking program...a national cord blood bank program that is regulated and open to all when the need arises is a good thing. Careful planning is needed so that the appropriate infrastructures are in place to provide this service."