Demand for the chance to donate cord blood was increasing among Boston women, said Dr. Robert Barbieri, chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Brigham and Women’s and co-coordinator of the program. Barbieri said he received several calls each month from women asking where they could donate.

“It’s a great way to use a biological resource to give people hope for the future,’’ said Barbieri. “It’s a gift of life.’’