So why is the Ontario government so insistent on not allowing payments to people for their blood and blood plasma? We’re already using imported products that have been bought and paid for, so why not allow Ontarians to reap the benefit instead of American citizens?
Two reasons, and they’re both good. One is that trust noted earlier. It is largely restored, but in order for it to be sustained we can’t afford even the perception of increased risk, and paying for blood products raises both the perceived risk and the possibility of a real one in the event of some new blood-borne threat. Quite simply, the quest for profit should not be part of the equation when it comes to our blood supply.
The second reason is integrity, both of the system and the process. People donate blood voluntarily for the right reasons. Introducing paid donations means that portion of the donor base would be donating out of economic need, even necessity in some cases. That changes the entire nature of the blood collection system, and introduces the possibility of people living in poverty being exploited or coerced into providing blood or plasma.
Read the full article on The Hamilton Spectator web site.