Plasma Donation Deaths: Health Canada Investigates Grifols, Manitoba Considers Ban

The deaths of two people after donating plasma at for-profit clinics in Winnipeg are prompting renewed scrutiny of the practice of paying individuals for plasma donations, and raising urgent questions for both donors and regulators. The cases, occurring in October 2025 and January 2026, involve a 22-year-ancient University of Winnipeg student, Rodiyat Alabede, and another unidentified individual, and have triggered a review by Health Canada. The situation is also prompting the Manitoba government to consider a ban on for-profit plasma collection.

A Student’s Dreams Cut Short

Rodiyat Alabede, an international student from Nigeria, arrived in Canada in 2022 with aspirations of becoming a social worker. Friends describe her as vibrant, generous, and deeply committed to helping vulnerable communities, particularly fellow immigrants. To aid cover the high cost of living while studying, Alabede began donating plasma at a Grifols Plasma Donation Centre on Taylor Avenue in Winnipeg. On October 25, 2025, during a routine donation appointment, she fainted and her heart stopped. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead at St. Boniface Hospital. Her friend, Ifeoluwa Oyewumi, recounted the shock and grief, emphasizing the family’s ongoing search for answers regarding the cause of her death. CBC News reported that Alabede’s family remains in the dark about the circumstances surrounding her passing.

Health Canada Investigates, Grifols Responds

Health Canada confirmed it received reports of two fatal adverse reactions following plasma donations in Winnipeg. The regulator stated it is assessing the reports but has not yet established a link between the plasma collection process and the deaths. Grifols, the Spanish healthcare company operating the clinics, maintains there is “no reason to believe” the deaths are connected to the donations. The New York Times noted that Grifols operates 17 locations across Canada.

However, a recent review by Health Canada revealed a total of four deaths potentially linked to plasma donation in Canada over the past decade. Three of these occurred in Manitoba, with the fourth in Quebec. Details surrounding these earlier cases remain limited, according to Health Canada spokesperson Mark Johnson.

The Business of Plasma: Compensation and Concerns

Plasma, the straw-colored liquid component of blood, is crucial for producing therapies like immunoglobulin, used to treat immune deficiencies and other conditions. Donating plasma is a more involved process than donating whole blood, taking up to 90 minutes as blood is separated into its components and the red blood cells are returned to the donor. Grifols, and other for-profit plasma collection centers, compensate donors for their time and effort, typically between $30 and $100 per donation, with additional bonuses for frequent donations. Donors can donate twice a week if they meet health screening criteria.

This compensation model has drawn criticism from public health groups, who argue it incentivizes frequent donations that could be detrimental to donor health. Critics point to potential risks associated with repeated phlebotomy, including bruising, vein collapse, and electrolyte imbalances. Conversely, proponents argue that financial incentives are necessary to ensure a sufficient supply of plasma, particularly as demand for plasma-derived therapies continues to grow.

Regulatory Landscape and Provincial Responses

The regulatory landscape surrounding plasma donation varies across Canada. Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec prohibit paying for plasma donations. However, Grifols has been permitted to operate in Ontario through its partnership with Canadian Blood Services (CBS). CBS, responsible for managing the blood supply in all provinces except Quebec, entered into a partnership with Grifols in 2022 to bolster plasma collection efforts. The Globe and Mail reported on this partnership, highlighting Grifols’ role in supplying plasma-derived products to CBS.

In light of the recent deaths, Manitoba’s Health Minister, Uzoma Asagwara, announced the province is considering a ban on for-profit plasma collection. The decision hinges on ensuring donor safety and addressing concerns about the potential for exploitation. The province’s chief medical examiner, Dr. John Younes, has the authority to call for an inquest into the deaths, but has not yet commented on whether one will be launched.

Donor Concerns and Grifols’ Response

The deaths have understandably raised concerns among regular plasma donors in Winnipeg. Some donors reported experiencing adverse effects such as bruising and collapsed veins, even prior to the recent fatalities. Brian Friesen, a donor at the Taylor Avenue Grifols location, expressed a demand for the money but acknowledged the unsettling nature of donating at the site where Alabede died. Shawna Wiebe, another donor, admitted to questioning whether to continue donating despite previous negative experiences.

In response to the deaths, Grifols implemented a policy change requiring a 48-hour waiting period between consecutive donations. The company maintains its commitment to donor safety and is cooperating with Health Canada’s investigation. However, concerns remain regarding the adequacy of vetting procedures and follow-up care for donors.

What’s Next for Plasma Donation in Canada?

The immediate future of for-profit plasma collection in Manitoba, and potentially across Canada, is uncertain. Manitoba’s government is weighing a potential ban, while Health Canada continues its investigation. Advocacy groups, including the Manitoba Health Coalition, are calling for greater transparency regarding the CBS-Grifols partnership and a full accounting of the risks associated with paid plasma donation. The families of Rodiyat Alabede and the other deceased donor are seeking answers and accountability, hoping to understand the circumstances that led to their loved ones’ deaths. The outcome of these investigations and policy deliberations will likely shape the future of plasma donation in Canada, balancing the need for a reliable plasma supply with the paramount importance of donor safety and ethical considerations.