Plasma.
It's a straw-colored, clear liquid that is 90 percent water, and it is an absolutely essential ingredient for human survival (1).
Plasma is a fluid-based substance that makes up about 55% of our total blood volume and acts as a vital transport system of nutrients, protein, water, and nourishment to our bodies. Without plasma, human life would be impossible. (Read more about plasma here)
Becoming more and more widespread, plasma is now being collected on a nation-wide scale at "donation facilities" such as BioLife Plasma Services and Octapharma Plasma buildings all over the country. Individuals participating in the plasma donation program receive significant compensation for their time spent in the donation process. While it is said that plasma 'donations' are used to save and better the lives of many people (which may very well be true), it is doubtful that this is the main motive for many plasma donors. Those who make the time to engage in the process are, typically, motivated most by the monetary compensation that they receive through plasmapheresis programs.
Irony in Multiple Regards
While many plasma collection companies boast of their life-saving uses of collected plasma, it goes nearly unspoken that almost all of the plasma collected goes towards consumer products and expensive remedies (2). (Stay tuned for a further post on this)
Even more ironic when examining the plasma donation process is the exact nature of the operation and how it is referred to. Let me explain:
Over and over again, donors, plasma specialists, and everyday civilians refer to plasmapheresis (the extraction of plasma) as a "donation process." But hold up! This is not at all the case.
Plasma donation is no donation at all.
How can we possibly refer to the voluntary extraction of plasma for compensation as a donation-based action? "Donors" involved in the BioLife program currently receive (+$60.00) per week as payment for their plasma and the time that they dedicate to giving it.
Receiving and wanting compensation for a donation is completely hypocritical.
Let's examine some detailed definitions, and let us not ignore our findings:
do·na·tion
noun
1. an act or instance of presenting something as a gift, grant, or contribution.
2. a gift, as to a fund; contribution. (3)
What is a gift then? What is a donor-based contribution?
gift
2. something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation. (4)
Need I explain more?
A donation is a gift - It is not something that is paid for. In the same way, if I walk by a bake sale supporting a local microbiology club and I end up buying a plate of cookies from them, I am not donating to their cause, but I may very well see my actions as supporting their cause... Or maybe I just want a big plate of chocolate chip cookies to appease my taste buds! A donation action would involve me going up to the the bake sale table, handing them $10.00 and proceeding to tell them to keep the cookies and use both the money and baked goods for their club.
I want to be clear in making a distinction between donation and selling. The fact is that people involved in the plasma extraction process are almost always in it solely and entirely for the money - I know it; I was one of them.
It would be a wise decision for all of us to start referring to the plasmapheresis program as an act of exchange - The voluntary extraction, selling, and purchase of a part of the human body.
As far as the ethics concerning selling a part of your body, well, that is something that we can touch on at another time.
As far as the ethics concerning selling a part of your body, well, that is something that we can touch on at another time.
Greg's note: For two posts from two different perspectives that examine the topic of selling your organs, check out these links:
"Life, Liberty, the Pursuit of Happiness, and Organ Sales."
"Don't Sell Your Body."
1. The Franklin Institute. (http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/blood/plasma.html)
2. National Hospital Specialties. (http://www.nhsusa.com/product-listing)
2. National Hospital Specialties. (http://www.nhsusa.com/product-listing)
3. Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2011.
4. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
Great post, AJ! I think that your words really wring true in regards to peoples' motivations for "donating" their plasma.
So you said that you used to be one of them.... does that mean you aren't "donating" any more?
Also, I actually already have written 2 different posts examining the topic of selling your organs. I took the liberty of linking to them from the end of your post.
I'm looking forward to your follow up post man!
Long and short of it.
God gave us exactly the percentages of exactly the right bodily fluids to help us function for Him to our maximum capacity of excellence. We need our energy , our mental focus , and what He has chosen to give us to use for Him. And thank God for your health. If it comes down to having to give blood for someone in an emergency, this is a different scenario than putting out plasma for pennies.