SANTA MONICA, Calif., and PHILADELPHIA, June 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board:
CBAI -
News), the umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company (
http://www.cordblood-america.com ) focused on bringing the life saving potential of stem cells to families nationwide and internationally, today said Pennsylvania has joined New York and California in enacting legislation requiring health care facilities and providers to give pregnant patients information about the advantages of umbilical cord blood banking.
Pennsylvania's General Assembly in the legislation said that "scientists have determined that umbilical cord blood holds tremendous promise in their ability to provide a rich supply of stem cells for new treatments for many lethal blood diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, severe aplastic anemia, and for some immune and metabolic diseases." It stressed that "many women are not aware of their option to donate or privately store umbilical cord blood and thus the blood is often discarded as medical waste after childbirth."
"This is especially gratifying since our major subsidiary, CorCell, is headquartered in Philadelphia," said Matthew Schissler, CEO, Cord Blood America. "Now that these three major states have passed similar legislation, we look forward to many more states requiring that pregnant families must be given information about the special cells contained in the umbilical cord and how these cells can be used to treat diseases in the future."
"This is fantastic news for us," said Marion Malone, Vice President of Business Development for CorCell Companies, Inc., a CBAI subsidiary. "We have been diligently working hand-in-hand with both the physicians and health insurance partners in Pennsylvania to create a universal message about cord blood banking. This legislation solidifies the position that CorCell established years ago."
"The only chance to collect a baby's umbilical cord blood stem cells is at birth. That's why education is so important. Collecting cord blood is painless and safe for mother and baby and free of ethical controversy," Mr. Schissler said.
About Cord Blood America
Cord Blood America (OTC Bulletin Board: CBAI - News) is the parent company of CorCell, which facilitates umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation for expectant parents and their children. Its mission is to be the most respected stem cell preservation company in the industry. Collected through a safe and non-invasive process, cord blood stem cells offer a powerful and potentially life-saving resource for treating a growing number of ailments, including cancer, leukemia, blood, and immune disorders. To find out more about Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CBAI - News), visit our website at http://www.corcell.com. For investor information, visit http://www.cordblood-america.com.
CONTACT: Paul Knopick E & E Communications 949/707-5365 pknopick@eandecommunications.com
