Pay-for-Plasma Collection Centers: An Industry Under Scrutiny

Pay-for-plasma collection is a new US$24b industry that is responding to a global shortage of plasma primarily for plasma derived medical products. The industry is mainly in the U.S. and four European nations where the practice of paying plasma donors is legal. As a profit-making industry, it has been accused of recruiting poor, disadvantaged, and vulnerable populations who will donate plasma for cash. Paradoxically, the amount of plasma collected by this industry saves lives, improves health, and provides donors with earned income to survive. Based on evidence presented, the case asks students to identify, analyze, and evaluate: (1) the pay-for-plasma collection business concept; (2) underlying ethical issues; (3) concerns over exploitation of donors; and (4) the issue of public opposition to the location of collection centers.