In the United States, blood isn’t just a vital resource for medical treatments—it’s also big business. Accounting for 2.69 percent of the country’s total exports, the U.S. dominates the global market by supplying 94 percent of paid plasma used worldwide.
While most nations have banned compensated blood donations due to ethical concerns, the U.S. allows individuals to “donate” plasma up to twice a week, or 104 times a year. Donors receive an average of $35 to $65 per visit, making plasma donation a source of income for some Americans.
Outside a bustling plasma center, stories abound of people who rely on these payments to make ends meet. One interviewee revealed, “Some Americans don’t work and make a living by selling their plasma. One lady told me she tries to get her family members to do it as well.”
This practice raises questions about the role of for-profit healthcare and the ethics of commodifying a critical medical resource. For many, the financial incentive is a lifeline in challenging economic times. However, the reliance on paid donations contrasts sharply with policies in other countries, where voluntary, unpaid donations are the norm to ensure safety and ethical standards.
The U.S. plasma industry’s growth reflects broader economic and social dynamics. As plasma becomes a lucrative export, it highlights disparities in global healthcare practices and economic opportunities. For developing countries and regions in Asia, where compensated donations are prohibited, reliance on U.S. plasma raises concerns about supply stability and ethical sourcing.
As the global demand for plasma-derived therapies continues to rise, the conversation around compensated donations versus ethical considerations remains critical. The U.S. model presents a complex picture of economic necessity intersecting with healthcare needs, prompting a deeper examination of how societies value and regulate the trade of human biological materials.
Reference(s):
Finding True America: Are U.S. plasma centers pro bono or for-profit?
cgtn.com
