Coalition for cord blood banks

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - A coalition of Connecticut lawmakers will hold a forum this week in Hartford on the importance of cord blood education and banking.

The lawmakers support legislation, giving expectant mothers the option of banking or donating their newborn baby's umbilical cord.

"In the state of Connecticut, it is usual after a birth to cut the umbilical cord because [it's] medical waste," said State Senator Len Fasno [R] of East Haven. "It is our hope that we can change that practice here in the state of CT because the umbilical cord contains important stem cells that can treat, if not cure, a number of diseases."

Right now, Connecticut parents can pay private banks to store the blood. This legislation would create a public cord blood bank in the state.