Blood plasma and products made from it are used to treat conditions ranging from blood clotting disorders to immunodeficiencies to Rh-negative pregnancies.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Arnulfo Franco
A potential shortage of crucial blood plasma highlights the case for paying Canadians for plasma donations, rather than continuing to import most plasma from the United States, where donors are paid.
More than 80 per cent of the plasma Canada now uses for medical purposes comes from paid donation in the United States.
(Shutterstock)
Canada suffers a shortage of vital blood plasma. Paying donors, through a non-profit like Canadian Blood Services, would secure a local supply without lining the pockets of corporate shareholders.