Community Protests Against Profit-Driven Plasma Clinic in Whitby

Over two dozen individuals gathered on Monday to protest a new clinic in Whitby that pays people for plasma donations.

Protesters marched outside the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre, shouting slogans, waving signs, and blowing whistles while police officers observed from a distance.

“Not for sale! Not for sale!” the protesters yelled.

This paid plasma center, located east of Toronto, is the first one opened in Ontario by Grifols, a company based in Spain. The center started operations on February 24.

Although paid plasma clinics are illegal in Ontario, the province’s Voluntary Blood Donations Act allows Canadian Blood Services (CBS) to operate outside this ban. CBS manages blood product supplies across all provinces and territories except Quebec.

In September 2022, CBS announced it had reached an agreement with Grifols to set up plasma collection centers across Canada.

The protest was organized by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), bringing together union members, labor activists, and community supporters who view the center as unethical for offering payment for blood donations.

JP Hornick, president of OPSEU, says: ‘The easy answer to this is to invest in the Canadian Blood Service, rather than expand access to a private clinic. When you create a patchwork of private and public collection centres, what you do is lose control of your blood supply.’ (Michael Cole/CBC)

JP Hornick, president of OPSEU-which represents workers at Canadian Blood Services-claimed that the Doug Ford government aims to privatize plasma collection. He suggested there are more ethical solutions to address Canada’s plasma shortage than establishing paid donation centers.

“The easy answer to this is to invest in the Canadian Blood Services, rather than expand access to a private clinic. When you create a patchwork of private and public collection centres, what you do is lose control of your blood supply,” Hornick said.

“You lessen the safety for all Canadians. So we’re saying here in Ontario: ‘Paid plasma should not be allowed to occur.’

‘There has to be a line,’ says advocate

Plasma is the yellowish part of blood rich in proteins. It supports immunity and helps manage excessive bleeding; it’s used for treating bleeding disorders, liver diseases, and cancer according to CBS’s website.

Hornick argued that profiting from human body products takes advantage of vulnerable individuals who might feel compelled to sell bodily materials just to get by.

Plasma is the yellowish portion of blood rich in proteins. It supports the immune system and helps manage excessive bleeding; it’s used for treating bleeding disorders, liver diseases and cancer according to CBS’s website. (Hiep Vu/Canadian Blood Services)

Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition stated at the rally that blood should not be treated as a commodity-body parts shouldn’t be bought or sold for profit.

“It ought not to be used in an exploitative way to encourage the poor or desperate individuals into selling their blood just trying hard enough financially survive. There has to be a line. That line is critical. It’s critical for the safety of our blood supply,” Mehra said.

In response on Monday afternoon Grifols expressed its excitement about operating Ontario’s first Grifols Plasma Donation Centre in Whitby while collecting plasma on behalf of CBS.

“Grifols respects the rights of individuals and groups to peacefully gather and share information and perspectives,” Grifols stated.

“The plasma we collect here – along with other future centres throughout Ontario – will help produce lifesaving immunoglobulin medicines needed by patients across Canada as we work towards fulfilling our commitment with Canadian Blood Services supporting immunoglobulin self-sufficiency within Canada,” Grifols added.”

Grifols also announced plans Tuesday to open four additional centers soon across Ontario-in North York , Etobicoke , Hamilton , and Cambridge-with specific opening dates still undecided.

CBS Highlights Increased Plasma Collection Efforts

CBS noted that its agreement with Grifols represents “an important part”of their strategy aimed at boosting local plasma collection capabilities within Canada.

“To clarify , this plan does not imply any privatization or relinquishing control over Canada’s blood system by Canadian Blood Services. Instead , we aim at enhancing our self-sufficiency rapidly reducing reliance on global markets mainly led by U. S.” CBS explained.

CBS confirmed that every unit collected under their deal with Grifols benefits Canadians while adhering strictly​to relevant laws governing these actions.

The Ministry Of Health In Ontario mentioned they continue monitoring decisions made through CBS ensuring consistent provision reliable supplies necessary health products required within province population.

“Ensuring adequate quantities available vital medical treatments derived from donated resources remains essential especially those relying heavily upon them daily” emphasized statement issued Friday afternoon “Our comprehensive strategy includes introducing improvements maintaining existing donor programs alongside establishing new ones.”

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