I am writing in reference to what appears to be an article in your health section titled “Why More Jewish Parents Are Banking Cord Blood,” (May 25, 2017). By the end of the article it becomes apparent that this is an advertisement, but it is essential that this be made more apparent from the start because the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend private cord blood banking. According to AAP Guidelines: “Cord blood donation should be discouraged when cord blood stored in a bank is to be directed for later personal or family use, because most conditions that might be helped by cord blood stem cells already exist in the infant’s cord blood” (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/119/1/165).

First-time parents are often eager to provide everything for their newborn, making them very vulnerable to high-powered sales pitches. The article cites a couple who “did the research” to find a company that provides the best deal and the best service. Their time would have been better spent researching whether private cord blood banking is useful or recommended by the AAP.

Harold Perl, MD