By KhabarAsia.com Staff
In the United States, the business of blood plasma has quietly become a booming industry, shaping an unseen economy that extends far beyond its borders. Blood products now account for 2.69 percent of the country’s total exports, with the U.S. supplying an astonishing 94 percent of the world’s paid plasma.
While most countries have banned compensated blood donations due to ethical concerns, the U.S. permits individuals to ‘donate’ plasma twice a week—up to 104 times a year. Donors receive between $35 and $65 per visit, turning plasma centers into a vital source of income for many low-income individuals.
One such donor is Eleazar Sanchez, a Mexican immigrant who frequents a plasma center eight times a month. The $500 he earns helps cover his bills and rent. “The plasma center is always crowded with people who need the money,” Sanchez shared. “I’ve noticed more centers opening recently, which shows how many people rely on this.”
The proliferation of plasma centers in low-income areas raises questions about economic disparities and the ethics of commodifying the human body. As more people turn to plasma donation out of financial necessity, the industry continues to thrive, largely unnoticed by the broader public.
The global demand for plasma-derived therapies ensures that this hidden economy will likely keep growing. However, it also underscores the need for a closer examination of the socio-economic factors that compel individuals like Sanchez to routinely exchange their plasma for cash.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
