Birth Tissue Donation
Birth tissue protects and nourishes your baby while in the womb. The placenta and umbilical cord are typically discarded once your baby is born.
Birth tissue has been found to have properties that help promote healing. Grafts made from birth tissue may help treat a variety of medical conditions such as ulcers, wounds, burns and more. They are often used in dental and ocular surgical procedures and can be used to reduce pain, scarring and inflammation.
- Placenta– the amnion/chorion layers of the placenta can be used as wound coverings for ulcers, thermal and chemical injuries, pressure ulcers and other similar applications.
- Umbilical cord- the umbilical cord membrane can be used in tendon repair, peripheral nerve injuries and used as a viable surgical wrap.
Who can donate birth tissue?
Currently, mothers who are having a planned cesarean section are eligible to donate birth tissue. There is no risk to you or your child. The decision to donate birth tissue will not affect the care you or your baby receives.
How can I donate?
Complete a consent form and medical/social questionnaire with a Solvita team member via phone on a recorded line. All your information is kept strictly confidential and no identifying information is shared with anyone except when required by law. Allow blood to be drawn at the hospital before delivery for infectious disease testing.
If you have not been given the option to donate by your doctor’s office but would like to, please contact our Birth Tissue Team at 1-866-525-4206 or email us at BTDonations@communitytissue.org .
What can I expect on delivery day?
Solvita staff works with the Labor and Delivery staff to accommodate for your donation. After your delivery, your birth tissue will be carefully collected, tested, and processed. Solvita is regulated by the FDA and American Association of Tissue Banks to ensure that the grafts are safe for transplant.
Is birth tissue donation related to cord blood banking?
No, birth tissue donation is not cord blood banking. However, you can still donate your birth tissue and participate in cord blood banking.
Do you have to have a c-section to donate?
No. You may still donate your birth tissue if you are delivering vaginally, however, the tissue will likely be used for research or education and training purposes.
Is there a cost associated with my donation?
No, the donor will not be responsible for costs associated with their donation and will not receive compensation for their donation.
If you have not been given the option to donate by your doctor’s office but would like to, please contact our Birth Tissue Team at 1-866-525-4206 or email us at BTDonations@communitytissue.org.