Texas and Arizona have filed lawsuits against Cord Blood Registry (CBR), a Tucson-based company storing umbilical cord stem cells, alleging it engaged in false advertising. The AGs contend CBR misled parents about the medical value of its expensive services. CBR markets its collection and storage as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' with the 'potential to treat 80+ conditions.' However, the lawsuits, supported by a New York Times investigation, state modern medicine rarely uses privately banked cord blood due to advances in adult stem cell transplants.

The investigation also found contamination risks at CBR's warehouse and found only 19 successful transplants using a child's own cord blood since 2010. Arizona AG Kris Mayes, a former CBR customer, stated parents were deceived during vulnerable moments. Both states seek to force CBR to remove deceptive ads and refund misled families.

CBR has not yet responded to the Texas suit and did not comment to The Times.