What is Cord Blood Banking and Can I Do It With Surrogacy?

Cord blood banking might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but it’s a very real and increasingly popular option for families welcoming a new baby. If you're exploring surrogacy, especially within the United States, you may be wondering—can you still bank your baby’s cord blood? The short answer: absolutely, yes. But there are nuances. Let’s break it down piece by piece.

Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and preserving the blood from a newborn's umbilical cord and placenta after birth. This blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into a variety of blood and immune system cells. These stem cells can be used in medical treatments for diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, and certain immune disorders.

Unlike embryonic stem cells, cord blood stem cells are considered “adult” stem cells and don’t carry the same ethical concerns. They are also less likely to trigger immune rejection if used for transplantation.

Cord blood banking can be a proactive investment in a family’s future health—especially considering the pace at which regenerative medicine is evolving.

There are several compelling reasons why parents (and intended parents via surrogacy) choose to bank cord blood:

Why Bank Cord Blood?

Key reasons:

1. Medical Use: Over 80 diseases can be treated with cord blood stem cells. These include certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune deficiencies.
2. Future Potential: Stem cell research is booming. Clinical trials are investigating cord blood stem cells for conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, and Type 1 diabetes.
3. Sibling/Family Use: A sibling has a 25% chance of being a full match and a 50% chance of being a partial match for a cord blood transplant. This makes the option even more appealing for growing families.
4. Non-Invasive Collection: It’s painless and safe for both baby and surrogate.

Cord blood might never be needed—but if it is, having it stored can be life-changing.

Cord Blood vs. Cord Tissue

What’s the difference?

It’s not just the blood that can be saved—cord tissue can be banked as well. But these two are not the same.

• Cord Blood: Contains hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells. Used mainly for treating blood-related conditions. Collection is relatively simple.
• Cord Tissue: Contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Can differentiate into muscle, cartilage, bone, and other tissues. Holds promise for regenerative medicine, like repairing damaged joints or heart tissue.

Many private banks now offer combo packages to store both, maximizing future treatment options.

Public vs. Private Cord Blood Banks

What to choose?

• Public Banks: Free to donate. Cord blood is made available to anyone in need. May be used for research. You give up ownership.
• Private Banks: You pay a collection and annual storage fee. Cord blood is reserved exclusively for your family. Ideal if you have a family history of treatable diseases or want peace of mind.

For more info on public donation, check out this resource.

How Long Do Stored Stem Cells Last?

Longevity

Studies show that properly cryopreserved cord blood can remain viable for at least 25 years, possibly 30 or more. The key is consistent storage at -196°C in liquid nitrogen.

More technical guidelines can be found at FDA's site.

What is the Collection Process?

Step-by-step

1. Before Birth: You register with a cord blood bank, receive a kit, and share it with the surrogate’s medical team.
2. After Birth: Once the baby is delivered and the cord is clamped, blood is drawn from the cord using a sterile bag.
3. Shipping: The sealed collection is shipped to the bank within 24 hours.

Additional standards for handling are maintained by institutions like CDC.

How to Choose a Cord Blood Bank

What to consider

• Accreditation: FDA, AABB, or FACT registration.
• Experience: Years in operation and number of successful transplants.
• Storage Methods: Ask about cryopreservation and facility security.
• Pricing: Look for discounts and combo options.
• Customer Support: Ensure they coordinate well with surrogacy teams.

Cord Blood Banking and Surrogacy

Special considerations

• Legal Agreements: Include terms for cord blood collection in your surrogacy contract.
• Coordination: Ensure the agency, OB, and hospital are informed in advance.
• Parental Rights: Intended parents should be recognized as legal guardians of the cord blood.

For legal info, visit HHS website.

Conclusion

Cord blood banking is an exciting option that pairs well with the surrogacy journey, offering future medical possibilities and peace of mind. Whether you're choosing public donation or private storage, the process is safe, effective, and accessible—even when a gestational carrier is involved.

Just like surrogacy, cord blood banking is about planning for the future—with love, intention, and a little bit of science. Whether you ever use those stem cells or not, the choice to preserve them is a powerful one.

And the best part? You don’t have to choose between these two life-changing options. With proper planning, you can have both.