Donate cord blood

Caroline, cord blood donor

Give life. More than once.

When you give birth, you also have the rare opportunity to give back. The blood from your umbilical cord is full of precious stem cells that can be used to treat approximately 80 diseases, including leukemia and aplastic anemia. By signing up to donate your cord blood, you’re giving hope to a sick person—the hope of receiving a much-needed stem cell transplant.

Who can donate cord blood?

You can donate cord blood if you give birth at a partner hospital and meet the eligibility criteria.

See the criteria

How does cord blood donation work?

It usually takes 3 to 5 minutes to donate cord blood. Once the cord is cut, the extra blood inside it is carefully collected.

Learn more

How can I join the Bank?

Make sure you plan to give birth at one of our partner hospitals, then fill out our online form.

Register now

Because of my genetic background, I didn’t have any compatible stem cell donors. When I was offered the option of cord blood, I was very happy. Today, I’m cured.

François, cord blood stem cell recipient

Frequently asked questions

There are none. Neither for mother or child. Your baby’s well-being will always takes precedence over the cord blood donation. Once your baby has everything he needs, and is safely in your arms, your delivery doctor will carefully collect the cord blood, which would otherwise be discarded.

Absolutely not. And since the cord blood is taken by your delivery doctor, to the surprise of the vast majority of mothers they barely noticed the process, at all. Of course, we encourage mothers to inform their health care providers before delivery and to discuss this with their doctor.

Your delivery doctor carefully collects the blood left in the umbilical cord.

Cord blood donation usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. Once your baby is in your arms, the time will pass quickly and have no effect on either mother or child.

Yes, at any time. This decision is completely up to you.

Cord blood donation is safe for both mother and child and does not cause any side effects. In addition, your baby will always be treated as a priority.