Cord Blood Banking: What Expecting Parents in India Should Know

ByHemali Ramchandani
Updated: 14 May 2025, 3:54 pm

Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and preserving blood from a newborn’s umbilical cord, which is a rich source of stem cells. These stem cells can treat several life-threatening illnesses, including certain blood cancers and genetic disorders. With both public and private cord blood banking options available in India, knowing the benefits, risks, medical guidelines, and ethical concerns can help you make a clear and confident choice for your family’s future.

Pregatips.com
As new parents, you’re likely to encounter a flood of decisions, from the type of delivery to the choice of feeding. One such decision that often creates confusion is whether or not to store your baby’s cord blood.
In this article:

Cord blood is the blood left in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. It contains haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which have the ability to develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These cells are already used to treat more than 80 disorders, including:
  • Leukaemia and lymphoma
  • Thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia
  • Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
  • Aplastic anaemia and other bone marrow failure syndromes
Unlike bone marrow transplants, which are invasive, cord blood collection is painless, safe, and done after delivery, without any risk to the baby or the parent.

Types of Cord Blood Banking

Before you decide whether or not to store cord blood, it’s important to understand the two main types of banking:1. Private (Family) Cord Blood BankingIn private banking, you pay a fee to store your baby's cord blood for potential personal or family use. It can be reassuring for families with a known medical history of conditions treatable by stem cells. Costs typically range between ₹50,000 and ₹1,00,000 for 20 years of storage.2. Public Cord Blood BankingHere, the cord blood is donated voluntarily to a public bank. It becomes part of a larger registry and may be used for any patient in need. Donation is free and anonymous. India currently has a few active public banks, although their reach is limited to certain hospitals.

Why Some Parents Choose It and Others Don’t

Many parents consider cord blood banking as a form of biological insurance. But it’s important to weigh the facts:Perceived Benefits:
  • Quick access to stem cells if needed
  • Painless collection process
  • Lower chance of transplant rejection, especially with your own or a sibling’s cells
Practical Limitations:
  • Most individuals never use their stored cord blood
  • A single cord blood unit may not contain enough stem cells to treat an adult
  • High cost with no guaranteed use

What Indian Guidelines Say

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued guidelines in 2017 to regulate the cord blood banking industry:
  • Only stem cells from cord blood may be collected and stored, not other tissues
  • Private banking is discouraged unless medically indicated
  • All promotional claims must be scientifically validated
  • Public banking is encouraged as a means of supporting the broader community
These guidelines are intended to curb misleading marketing and promote ethical, evidence-based use of stem cell technologies.

Making an Informed Choice

Many expecting parents are curious about cord blood banking but hesitate due to myths and unanswered questions. Cord blood banking is not a “yes or no” decision. It’s about what suits your medical background, values, and budget. Consider:
  • Is there a history of blood disorders in your family?
  • Does your hospital have access to a public cord blood bank?
  • Are you able to afford private banking long-term, even if there’s a low chance of personal use?
If you’re unsure, speak with your gynaecologist or a paediatric haematologist before delivery. You may also inquire whether your delivery hospital collaborates with public stem cell registries.Cord blood banking presents a valuable medical opportunity, but not a necessity for every family. In India, where public infrastructure is still developing and private costs remain high, making a fact-based, ethical decision is crucial. Whether you choose to store, donate, or decline, do it after understanding the science, the guidelines, and your family’s health context. And most importantly, remember: whatever you choose, it’s okay as long as it’s informed.

FAQs on Cord Blood Banking: What Expecting Parents in India Should Know

  1. Is cord blood collection safe for my baby and me?Yes. The blood is collected after clamping the cord and poses no harm to you or the baby.
  2. Can cord blood cure any future disease?No. While it can treat specific blood and immune disorders, its use in regenerative medicine or conditions like diabetes is still under research.
  3. Can I still opt for delayed cord clamping if I choose cord blood banking?Generally, no. The two procedures compete for the same blood volume. Talk to your doctor to understand which option aligns better with your goals.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Manjusha Goel, Lead Consultant, Dept of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the CK Birla Hospital®, Delhi

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