Connecticut Lawmakers Push for Public Bank

Connecticut is about to become the next American state to launch its own cord blood bank, according to state legislators. The legislation would establish a public cord blood in Connecticut, the first of its kind in the state.

On Wednesday, the Public Health Committee will host a hearing, during which politicians and physicians will discuss the new legislation. According to the bill’s author, Len Fasano, the public bank would cost just over $200 000 to building, whereas as physical blood bank would cost upwards of $10 million.

Currently, cord blood collected in hospitals across Connecticut is stored at banks located outside of the state. They are then contributed the nation-wide pool of donors.  The establishment of the new cord blood bank would not only help patients in need from across the country but also benefit those located directly within the state.

State Representative Lawrence Miller stands firmly behind the bill, based on personal experiences. In 1998, he was diagnosed with Cancer in his plasma cells (multiple myeloma). His doctors originally gave him five years to live, but after receiving a stem cell transplant, he is now 13 years Cancer-free.

He believes the bill should be passed as soon as possible, as the bill is now over five years old. With state-wide support, it is likely that the bill will finally pass legislation.