person in white long sleeve shirt holding green and white labeled can

Purpose

Public vs. Private

  • Stored stem cells are reserved for the baby (100% match) or family members to treat potential future illnesses.

  • Instant availability for the family.

  • Often recommended only if there is a known history of specific diseases or needs in the family

Private

  • Stem cells are donated for public use to help any matching patient in need of a transplant.

  • There are higher standards for quality control and FDA regulation.

  • It can help advance medical research. Recommended by experts for most families.

Public

References

Cleveland Clinic medical. “Cord Blood Banking.” Cleveland Clinic, 4 Mar. 2026, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23981-cord-blood-banking.

Kotch, Ingrid. “The Benefits of Cord Blood Banking and the Pros and Cons of Public and Private Banks.” South Shore Health, 20 July 2017, www.southshorehealth.org/wellness/blog/benefits-cord-blood-banking-and-pros-and-cons-public-and-private-banks.