Cord Blood Donation

Abstract

“Before your baby is born, the umbilical cord is a lifeline. After your baby is born, that lifeline can give birth to hope for others,” (Be the Match, pg. 1). Adults and children whose lives have been altered due to leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders are now being saved through cord blood donation. Although cord blood is saving lives, many public cord blood banks in the industry have reported significant financial stress and have expressed concern regarding the long-term trajectory of the industry (Kapinos, 2017). Strengthening aspects of the industry by making changes to payment, knowledge sharing, and research funding is crucial to the future of umbilical cord blood banks and donation.