title: In defence of non-remunerated blood donation.
abstract: Numerous documents concerning bioethics and human rights recognise that the human body and its parts should not be bought or sold or be source of profit. Voluntary, non-remunerated donation is recognised by all the major competent bodies in the field as a cornerstone for the safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products. In several nations so-called "donors" nonetheless receive remuneration or reimbursements that frequently verge on actual payments. In addition, there is constant pressure - especially from for-profit organisations--to introduce payments for "donors". Against this background it may perhaps be useful to reassert the basic principles underlying the non-remunerated donation of blood.
authors.affiliation: Head of the Bioethics Unit, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Petrini
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D001771:Blood Banks / Q000191:economics*; D001782:Blood Donors / Q000523:psychology*; D035881:Compensation and Redress; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D060926:Remuneration; D014838:Volunteers / Q000523:psychology
keywords: Bioethics; Blood; Law; Public interest