Cord Blood Banking: Private vs. Public

March 5, 2007

A pediatrician in suburban Chicago does a great job of covering the issue of private vs. public banking of cord blood and provides contact information for those in Illinois considering public cord blood banking.

Illinois is among the states with an existing public cord blood bank. Interested Chicago-area parents can call (877) GIV-CORD, or (877) 448-2673, to obtain donation information and collection kits. They should also inform their obstetrician of their desire to donate and check with their delivering hospital to make sure that it is able to work with the local public cord blood bank.

Parents will pay no fees when they donate their infant’s umbilical cord blood to a public cord blood bank. Some preparation is needed, however, as collection kits have to be ordered and the necessary paperwork must be filled out ahead of time. Expectant parents are advised to contact the public blood bank 4-6 weeks before baby’s expected due date.