Proposed legislation to ban paying blood donors

If passed, the Voluntary Blood Donations Act will prohibit private clinics paying for blood donations in Alberta.
“Banning paid blood donation will make sure people are donating to the same, coordinated, integrated blood supply network,” said Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman.
The bill was proposed by the NDP Government as a way to protect the supply of blood and ensure that it is available to Albertans in need of it after traumatic injuries or other medical treatments and procedures.
“I’m very grateful for the many Albertans who freely give of their time to donate blood and blood products.
“Donating blood should not be viewed as a business venture, but as a public resource saving lives every day.” Said Hoffman.
The first reading of the act was passed by the legislature March 13.