When Lindsay Klumpp, OD, attended a BioTissue dinner presentation early in 2024, she had no idea she would soon become a tissue donor herself. As an optometrist working in an MD/OD practice in Michigan, she regularly fits patients with Prokera lenses, appreciating the value of cryopreserved amniotic membranes in treating conditions like dry eye, corneal ulcers and recurrent erosions.
During the presentation, the BioTissue representative explained how the company procures placental tissue from full-term C-section deliveries. The information struck a chord with Dr. Klumpp; she was pregnant and had a scheduled C-section later that summer.
“I fit a fair amount of Prokera lenses,” she says. “I knew the value of the tissue, and I thought, ‘I’m here, the people from BioTissue are here—what do I have to do to donate?’”
She approached the BioTissue representatives, who quickly connected her with the appropriate contacts. The process was seamless. Although the company had not previously worked with her hospital, everything was handled through the hospital’s standard protocols. “I didn’t have to do anything extra with my doctor,” she says. “The hospital took care of all of it. It was no big deal—like a blood donation.”
Despite her scheduled delivery date, her baby arrived early. But the process was all in place; it required just one additional blood draw for screening. When the representative arrived to collect the placenta, the interaction was brief. “She said hello and thank you, and that was it,” Dr. Klumpp recalls.
KNOW THE VALUE
As a doctor who knows the benefits of cryopreserved amniotic membranes in clinical practice, she felt at ease with the decision. “It was an easy process, and I knew exactly where the donation was going and how it would help patients,” she says. “When you know it’s going to be used to restore sight and heal the ocular surface, why wouldn’t you do it?”
Dr. Klumpp hasn’t yet worked with BioTissue’s CAM 360, but she continues to rely on Prokera for its versatility and effectiveness. “It’s easy to put on and take off, and it works better than dehydrated membranes,” she says. “It’s amazing how quickly it can heal the ocular surface and how long the results last afterward.”
Now, six months after her baby’s birth, Dr. Klumpp reflects on the experience with appreciation. “It was a simple act, but it has the potential to make a big impact for patients. Knowing that firsthand as a doctor made it an easy decision.”
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
When a mother donates birth tissue, she is making a powerful contribution that can help countless patients, says Julie Caldro, senior director of tissue procurement at Sharing Miracles, a program of BioTissue.
Birth tissue donation begins with a referral, either directly from an interested mother or through a relationship between Sharing Miracles and a hospital. In some cases, mothers may not learn about the opportunity until they arrive at the hospital for delivery. Depending on the hospital’s involvement, an obstetrician-gynecologist may introduce the program and provide information on how to participate. Some hospitals have coordinators who work directly with new mothers, while in other cases, a physician may reach out to Sharing Miracles when a patient expresses interest. Pregnant women can also visit sharingmiracles.com directly.
Unlike deceased organ and tissue donation, birth tissue donation is administratively simple in terms of the requirements. The challenge is to create awareness that this is an option. “There’s more we have to do to get the word out,” Caldro says. “Post-COVID, hospitals are still recovering, and we want to make sure moms know this option exists.”
If a mother wants to donate, she submits a request for a directed donation of her placenta and umbilical cord. To proceed, she completes a consent form granting Sharing Miracles access to the tissue after delivery.
NOT DISRUPTIVE TO THE BIRTH
Once the baby is born, the placenta and umbilical cord are collected in a sterile basin. The recovery team then follows strict protocols to procure the tissue. The umbilical cord and the amniotic membrane covering the placenta are preserved for medical use, while the placental disk is not used—and a mother may choose to have it returned to her if she wishes. If she is also interested in donating cord blood, that process can be arranged as well.
Each birth tissue donation results in 75 membranes, on average. The tissue is often used to promote healing in medical treatments, such as wound care and surgical applications. “We work to destigmatize the process,” Caldro says. She suggests that optometrists share information about the membranes when using them. “People are often surprised to learn that this donated tissue comes from a mother who had a happy, healthy birth. It’s a meaningful gift that can change lives.”
For donor moms, Sharing Miracles ensures the process is seamless, safe and nondisruptive. “This is one of the most important times in a mother’s life,” Caldro explains. “We don’t want this to be a burden. In fact, many moms are so moved by the experience that they donate again with future pregnancies.”
The response from expectant mothers has been overwhelmingly positive. Nationally, about 95% of mothers consent to donation when given the opportunity. Screening requirements are similar to those for blood donation, following the guidelines set by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) and the FDA. Sharing Miracles is the only tissue bank exclusively focused on birth tissue partnered with Donate Life America, further demonstrating its commitment to ethical and impactful donation practices.
Importantly, birth tissue is normally discarded as medical waste if not donated. By choosing to donate, mothers provide a valuable resource that can improve countless lives. Those interested in participating can contact Sharing Miracles via email to begin the process and receive additional information.
“From the moment a child enters the world, they have already made a difference,” Caldro says. “It’s a beautiful way to give back.”
