US supplies most of the world’s plasma. No country depends on it more than China | CNN
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The US supplies 70% of the world’s plasma. China’s heavy reliance on its biggest geopolitical rival for this critical ingredient leaves its patients vulnerable.

I am not hating on USA. I just occasionally stumble across something that blows my mind, and today it’s these 2 sentences:

Every year, millions of Americans offer up their arms to cover everyday costs – people like 25-year-old Sky Tucker.

“While I do know it could save a life, most of the time, I’m just worried about if I’m gonna get my next meal or if I can feed my cats,” said the community college student who sold plasma twice a week for seven years to help make ends meet.

  • Saganaki@lemmy.zip
    0·
    2 days ago

    First: I agree that plasma “donation” centers are 100% exploitative.

    Plasma is 100% needed, though. My son wouldn’t be alive today without the countless plasma transfusions he got during chemo when his counts dropped.

    It all sort of sucks across the board. This paints China as exploiting the US, but realistically, the idea of us giving those in need plasma isn’t a bad thing—it’s just the grubby money exchanging that’s the problem.

  • ThrowawayOnLemmy@lemmy.world
    0·
    2 days ago

    I did it when I was poverty wage poor. My job barely covered my expenses at the time and donating plasma gave me like $50 extra bucks a week. Went a long way back then

  • unfortunate_ferret@piefed.caEnglish
    0·
    2 days ago

    Yep. My wife did this for years (before we met; we’re doing alright now), while working multiple jobs, to afford rent and food.

  • Verdant Banana@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    2 days ago

    No it is not a job

    It is exploitation

    Plasma centers are built in areas where people are already struggling and there is little to no opportunities