Anthony Nolan has contributed to the debate around cord clamping in a letter to the Guardian published today.
Read the full letter below:
Sir
The debate around cord clamping raises a number of questions for both mothers and medical practitioners (‘Cutting cord too early puts babies at risk, NHS warned,’ Friday April 26).
Despite a number of studies into the effects of both early and delayed cord clamping on the new born baby, we at blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan believe the evidence that delayed cord clamping has long-term benefits for a mother or a full-term baby is inconclusive.
Our pioneering cord blood programme uses the stem cells from cord blood collected at five UK hospitals to help people with leukaemia and other serious blood disorders. For someone who needs a transplant, it’s often their last chance at life. Delaying clamping adversely impacts the chances of us being able to use a mother’s donation. We currently advise mothers that a decision on cord clamping, and donation, is ultimately one of personal choice.
We have written to Health Minister Anna Soubry outlining our concerns and look forward to contributing to a NICE review of the current medical practices which bases any decision on future clamping guidance on firm evidence, and takes account of the wider implications for other life-saving treatments within the NHS.
Yours sincerely,
Henny Braund
Chief Executive