Families without illness history should consider bank cord blood

When it comes to the decision of whether or not to bank their children’s cord blood, many parents believe that a lack of illness in their family history is reason enough to forego the procedure. However, there are many great reasons that justify banking your child’s cord blood, even if a family history of illness is not present.

While many of the diseases treatable by cord blood stem cells are genetic, there is always the chance that patients can contract these conditions without a family history. Many of the families who bank with Insception Lifebank Cord Blood Program do not have a history of any particular disease, but would prefer to have the peace of mind provided by cord blood banking should a family member fall ill.

Ethnic minorities are also encouraged to bank their children’s cord blood, even if a family history of illness is not present. If a member of an ethnic family falls ill, the chance of finding a match are lower as international registies lack minority donors. By banking their children’s cord blood, families that belong to ethnic minorities are guaranteed a treatment option should a member ever fall ill.

In the future, cord blood could be used to treat a wider range of conditions that are not genetic. This includes brain injuries and cerebral palsy, two conditions that can occur in patients without a family history. As these uses continue to expand, it will become even more imperative for families without a history of illness to consider cord blood banking.