According to numerous researchers, more parents should be privately storing their child’s cord blood. This blood will significantly boost research on stem cell treatments, and possibly open opportunities later in a child’s life.

Dr. Iona Novak, head of research at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, said that such clinical trials already take place in the United States, but are less common in other regions. Cord blood is blood removed from the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby’s birth. Rich in stem cells, each individual’s blood may present a treatment for cerebral palsy. Dr. Novak added that the research is especially hampered in Australia.

“We know that, at the moment, there’s about 40 children with cerebral palsy with their own blood banked” there, Novak explained.

Mark Kirkland, Associate Professor, explained “There’s been a lot of negativity around the idea of storing your child’s own cord blood because these are unproven treatments. But it’s a catch-22; you can’t do the trials because you haven’t stored your child’s blood.”