Two people have died in Canada after donating plasma to for-profit centers operated by Grifols Canada. Health advocates are now demanding a nationwide ban on paid plasma donations, citing systemic regulatory failures.
Natalie Mehra of the Ontario Health Coalition revealed Grifols has been cited for non-compliance more times in just three and a half years than all other Canadian blood collection sites combined over the past 14 years.
A third donor alleges kidney damage linked to frequent donations. Advocates argue paid plasma attracts financially vulnerable individuals, creating dangerous health risks.
Grifols maintains there is no proven link between donations and the deaths, but an ongoing Health Canada investigation has compelled the company to submit its confidential 2022 agreement with Canadian Blood Services by April 10.
Critics say the deal bypassed provincial bans on paid donation and blurred the line between public health and private profit. Experts like Chris Gallaway of Friends of Medicare insist voluntary, unpaid donation systems work-and are ethically superior.