We recommend every pregnant woman familiarizes herself with the subject of cord blood donation. There is no disadvantage whatsoever for the donor family. Make an example of yourself!

The harvesting is pain and risk free for mother and child. There is absolutely no medical intervention of the body necessary. The umbilical cord and placenta are generally discarded after a birth, even though this valuable material for the treatment of ill people could be collected.

The number of potential donors in this donor group is theoretically unlimited; every birthing mother can donate when - similar to the blood stem cell donation - certain criteria are met. In particular, this enables people with rare tissue types to be provided for.

Rejection of the transplant happens less often with cord blood because the blood stem cells are less mature and therefore less apt to trigger a defense reaction.

Because the amount of fetal blood, and thus the number of blood stem cells, in the placenta and cord blood is limited, usually only children can benefit from this type of donation and receive a transplantation with a matching cord. This is only rarely possible for adults, and only under special circumstances.

Further information can be found directly through the appropriate hospitals and institutions.