Community Protests Whitby’s Paid Plasma Donation Center

On Monday, over two dozen people gathered to protest against a new for-profit clinic in Whitby that compensates individuals for plasma donations.

Protesters marched outside the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre, chanting slogans, holding 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, marks the first one in Ontario opened by Grifols, a company based in Spain. The center began operations on February 24.

While paid plasma clinics are prohibited in Ontario, the province’s Voluntary Blood Donations Act specifically allows Canadian Blood Services (CBS) an exemption from this ban. CBS oversees the national supply of blood products across all provinces and territories except Quebec.

In September 2022, CBS revealed it had reached an agreement with Grifols to establish plasma collection centers in Canada.

The protest was organized by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which brought together union members, labor advocates, and local residents who view the center as unethical because it pays 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, who leads OPSEU representing Canadian Blood Services workers, accused the Doug Ford government of pushing towards privatizing plasma collection. Hornick mentioned there are more ethical alternatives to tackle Canada’s plasma shortage than setting up 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 stated.

“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 a yellowish liquid found in blood that’s rich in proteins. It plays an essential role in supporting our immune system and regulating bleeding; hence it’s used for treating conditions like bleeding disorders, liver diseases, and cancer according to CBS’s website.

Hornick expressed concern that profiting from human body fluids exploits those who may feel compelled to sell these products out of necessity.

Plasma is a yellowish liquid found in blood that’s rich in proteins. It supports the immune system and helps to control excessive bleeding; hence it’s used for treating conditions like 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, spoke at the rally emphasizing that blood should remain an integral part of human life rather than being commodified for profit.

“It ought not to be used in an exploitative way to encourage the poor or desperate into selling their blood just to make ends meet. There has to be a line. That line is critical. It’s critical for the safety of our blood supply,” Mehra remarked.

In response on Monday, Grifols stated it collects plasma on behalf of CBS and expressed enthusiasm about launching Ontario’s first Grifols Plasma Donation Centre located in Whitby.

“Grifols respects individuals’ rights as well as groups’ rights regarding peaceful gatherings where they can share information and perspectives,” said Grifols.

“The plasma we collect here-starting with Whitby but also at other upcoming locations-will contribute towards producing lifesaving immunoglobulin medicines needed by patients across Canada as part of our commitment towards supporting immunoglobulin self-sufficiency within Canada,” Grifols added.

On Tuesday Grifols announced plans for four additional centers across Ontario over upcoming months situated at North York , Etobicoke , Hamilton , and Cambridge. Opening dates are still being determined according their statement.

CBS highlights increased plasma collection effort

CBS commented on its agreement with Grifols indicating it serves “an important part” within their action plan aimed at boosting plasma collections throughout Canada.

“To clarify , this plan does not imply Canadian Blood Services will privatize operations or relinquish oversight concerning Canada’s overall blood system ; instead we aim enhance domestic self-sufficiency rapidly reducing reliance upon foreign markets predominantly controlled by US players.” noted CBS representatives.

CBS further clarified each unit obtained through collaboration adheres strictly relevant legislation ensuring benefits exclusively directed toward Canadians.

The Ministry Of Health from Ontario confirmed Monday they’re actively monitoring CBS decisions guaranteeing secure supplies remain accessible within province.

“Ensuring adequate levels exist essential fulfilling demands surrounding vital medical resources derived directly from human sources ,”the ministry stated.

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