California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Oct. 11 signed a bill that establishes a statewide cord blood collection program. The bill, authored by Assembly member Anthony Portantino, was supported by City of Hope.

“Stem cells from cord blood hold promise of treatment and cures for patients suffering from diseases like sickle cell anemia,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

Cord blood is the most widely used alternative to bone marrow for stem cell collection. The bill would set up a statewide program for gathering and sharing cord blood by 2010.

Schwarzenegger also signed a second bill requiring the state to develop ways to inform pregnant women how to donate their cord blood.