Paid Plasma Donations Under Scrutiny After Deaths in Canada

Recent deaths of plasma donors at Grifols clinics in Winnipeg, Manitoba, have sparked renewed debate over the safety and ethics of paid plasma donation in Canada. Health Canada is investigating four deaths linked to plasma donation over the past decade, raising concerns about donor safety and oversight of the for-profit plasma industry.

Two Deaths in Winnipeg Prompt Investigation

Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old international student at the University of Winnipeg, died on October 25, 2025, after fainting during a plasma donation at a Grifols collection centre. Her family and friends are seeking answers regarding the cause of her death, with doctors stating her heart stopped during the procedure. A second donor died on January 30, 2026, at another Grifols facility in Winnipeg.

Health Canada confirmed that it received reports of “fatal adverse reactions” following plasma donations in Winnipeg and Quebec, with a total of four such deaths reported in the last ten years. While the agency has not yet identified a link between the deaths and the donations, investigations are ongoing.

Grifols and the Canadian Plasma System

Grifols, a Spanish pharmaceutical company, operates 17 plasma collection centres across Canada, including in Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. The company partners with Canadian Blood Services (CBS) to collect plasma, which is used to create medications for conditions like hemophilia and to treat burn victims.

Donors at Grifols are compensated between $30 and $100 per donation, and can donate twice a week if they meet health screening criteria. Bonuses are also offered for frequent donations. In response to the recent deaths, Grifols has implemented a policy requiring a 48-hour wait between consecutive donations.

Grifols maintains that there is “no reason to believe that there is a correlation between the donors’ passing and plasma donation.”

Calls for a Ban on Paid Plasma Donations

The recent deaths have intensified calls for a ban on paid plasma donations. Critics argue that financial incentives can lead donors to overlook health risks and may encourage frequent donations that are detrimental to their well-being. Public health groups advocate for a voluntary donation system, similar to that used for blood donations.

Manitoba’s Health Minister, Uzoma Asagwara, stated the province is considering a ban on paid plasma accumulation. The Manitoba government is also considering an inquest to determine the cause of the deaths.

Donor Perspectives

Despite the safety concerns, some donors continue to participate in paid plasma donation, citing financial need. Some donors have reported experiencing side effects such as bruising and collapsed veins.

Health Canada Review and Transparency Concerns

Health Canada conducted “onsite compliance verifications” at Winnipeg facilities following the deaths and requested immediate action where non-compliance was identified, but details of these actions have not been disclosed. Advocacy groups are calling for greater transparency regarding the terms of the agreement between CBS, and Grifols.

The death of Rodiyat Alabede highlights the vulnerability of donors and the need for robust safety measures within the plasma donation system.