MEPs adopted the report on new rules governing the use of so-called substances of human origin (SoHO) in the EU, with 483 votes in favour, 52 against and 89 abstentions. The measures apply to substances – such as blood and its components (red/white cells, plasma), tissues and cells – used for transfusions, therapies, transplantations or medically assisted reproduction.

MEPs insist that donations of those substances must always be voluntary and unpaid, with donors able to receive compensation or reimbursement for losses or expenses incurred during the donation process. They stress that compensation should not be used as an incentive to recruit donors, nor lead to the exploitation of vulnerable people.

To ensure the EU has its own independent supply of these substances, MEPs want an EU strategy to ensure their availability, an EU list of critical SoHOs, and the establishment of “national emergency and continuity of supply plans”.

Quote

After the vote, rapporteur Nathalie…