For Donors
Information for expectant mothers considering placental tissue donation.
Donation is voluntary, confidential, and does not affect your birth plan or the care provided to you and your child.
What is Placental Donation
Tissue that is otherwise discarded.
The placenta and amniotic membrane are part of the structures that support pregnancy and are routinely discarded as biological waste after delivery. With your consent, these tissues can instead be recovered and processed for use in supervised medical procedures — extending the meaning of your delivery to patients you may never meet.
Impact
How donated tissue may be used.
Burn Patients
Temporary biological coverage for severe burn injuries.
Eye Surgery
Supportive material in corneal and ocular surface procedures.
Reconstruction
Adjunctive use in selected reconstructive surgeries.
Eligibility
High-level criteria.
- —Planned full-term delivery at a participating hospital.
- —Willingness to complete a brief health and risk-factor questionnaire.
- —Routine prenatal serologic screening.
Final eligibility is determined by clinical staff in accordance with applicable guidance.
Process
What to expect.
01
Consent
Provided in writing prior to delivery.
02
Delivery
Your birth plan is unchanged. No additional procedures.
03
Recovery
Tissue is collected after delivery and routine care.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Why is donation worth considering?
A single placenta can yield 50 to 100 allografts for medical use. That one decision at delivery may contribute to the recovery of patients living with burns, chronic wounds, or injuries that are resistant to standard healing.
What does the process look like after I agree?
It's a simple process. You'll fill out an informed consent form and a health history questionnaire, much like you would for blood donation. Once your baby is born, the birth tissue is carefully collected and sent for processing into therapeutic allografts.
What happens to the tissue if I decline?
If donation does not occur, birth tissue is disposed of as medical waste following delivery.
Will I need any extra procedures?
Not at all. Your birth plan and medical care remain completely unchanged. Tissue collection takes place after delivery and does not interfere with your birthing experience in any way.
What exactly is the amniotic membrane?
Also referred to as the amnion, the amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta. Together with the surrounding membranes and amniotic fluid, it forms the protective environment that surrounds and nourishes your baby throughout pregnancy. When donated, this tissue supports healing and regenerative medical treatments.
How is amniotic tissue used in medicine?
Amniotic tissue has a long-standing history in clinical medicine, spanning several decades of use across wound care, burn management, eye surgery, orthopedic procedures, post-surgical recovery, and regenerative therapies. Its inherent biological properties promote tissue repair and make it a versatile resource in patient care.
Does donating birth tissue affect cord blood banking?
No. Cord blood preservation for personal or family use and birth tissue donation are entirely compatible, and you may pursue both options simultaneously.
Is everyone eligible to donate?
Eligibility is determined by your medical history, type of delivery, and whether your hospital participates in donation. Both cesarean deliveries and many vaginal deliveries may meet the criteria.
Are there health conditions that disqualify a donor?
Yes. Prospective donors are screened for communicable diseases and certain medical factors to protect the safety of tissue recipients.
Why is a blood sample required?
Federal regulations mandate testing of donor blood for communicable diseases. In most situations, this does not mean an extra needle stick, as the required sample can often be drawn alongside routine bloodwork already ordered during your hospital stay.
Will I be informed of my blood test results?
If a result warrants medical attention, your physician will be notified in accordance with applicable regulations. In cases where all results are within normal range, no further notification is typically required.
Am I responsible for any costs related to donation?
No. Donation carries no financial obligation for you, your family, or your insurance provider.
Is financial compensation available for donors?
No. Birth tissue donation is entirely altruistic and is a voluntary act of generosity with the sole purpose of supporting the health and healing of others.
Where does my donated tissue go?
After collection, donated birth tissue is processed into medical allografts used in a range of applications, including wound care, burn treatment, surgical procedures, and regenerative therapies aimed at promoting tissue healing and recovery.
Safety & Ethics
Voluntary, confidential, and safe.
There is no risk to mother or child. Donation has no effect on the timing, mode, or clinical management of your delivery.
Participation is entirely voluntary. Personal health information is handled confidentially and used only for the purposes of establishing donor eligibility.