Stem cells are found in the blood of the umbilical cord and are the building blocks of the blood and immune system. They are the origin of white blood cells that fight infection, red blood cells that carry oxygen and platelets that promote clotting and healing. The decision to proceed with collection and preservation is an entirely personal one. The collection process is simple and does not have deleterious effect on the mother or baby. The cord blood can in theory be stored indefinitely.

Currently, stem cells have been used to treat anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, immune disorders, and certain genetic disorders. The research continues regarding future applications. The current cost of storage is approximately $1,000-2,000 dollars