Toronto wants to ban paid plasma clinics, but 2 are already slated to open in the city next year

Toronto has taken a stand against paid plasma donations by declaring itself a paid-plasma-free zone, in an effort to prevent Canadian Blood Services from opening two new clinics in the city’s suburbs next year. The city council passed a motion asking other levels of government to allow only voluntary plasma donations, citing concerns that paying individuals for their blood exploits vulnerable populations.

Coun. Chris Moise, who drafted the motion, expressed his worry that many people rely on selling their plasma as a source of income, rather than donating it voluntarily. He emphasized that he does not want to see this practice become prevalent in Toronto or Ontario as a whole.

Canadian Blood Services (CBS) recently announced plans to open five new paid plasma sites in southern Ontario by 2025, with two of them located in Toronto’s suburbs of Etobicoke and North York. This decision has sparked controversy in the city, as well as in Hamilton, where a similar resolution was passed earlier this year.

Despite the objections raised by Toronto and Hamilton, CBS maintains that municipalities cannot override provincial laws that allow for the establishment of paid plasma clinics. Health Canada regulates all donor centers in the country, ensuring that donor safety and eligibility are carefully monitored.

Grifols, the Spanish pharmaceutical company operating as an agent of CBS, stated that plasma donors receive $50 per visit and can donate as often as twice a week. The process of collecting plasma is more complex than donating blood, as only the plasma portion is harvested, while the rest of the blood components are returned to the donor.

While some councillors, like Stephen Holyday, argue that the city should support efforts to meet the growing demand for plasma, others, like Moise, believe that paid donations could lead to dependency among vulnerable populations. The debate over the ethics and implications of paid plasma donations continues to divide communities across Ontario.

As Toronto takes a firm stance against paid plasma clinics, other cities like Whitby and Cambridge are monitoring the situation to see how it unfolds. The issue of paid plasma donations remains a complex and contentious topic, with differing opinions on its impact on the healthcare system and ethical implications.

In conclusion, Toronto’s declaration as a paid-plasma-free zone reflects the city’s commitment to upholding the values of voluntary blood and plasma donations. The debate surrounding this issue highlights the need for a comprehensive and informed approach to addressing the growing demand for plasma, while ensuring the safety and well-being of donors.