Risky Bodies in the Plasma Bioeconomy: A Feminist Analysis

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Medical Anthropology
• Gender Studies

Background:

• In 2003, the UK National Blood Service enacted a 'male donor preference' policy, leading to the discarding of plasma from female donors.
• This policy was ostensibly based on data linking Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) to plasma from women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the significance of gender in understanding blood relations and the gendered nature of the blood economy.
• To explore how blood donation policies and the processing of blood products construct gendered bodies and relations within blood services.

Main Methods:

• Discursive and material practice analysis within UK blood services.
• Examination of blood donation policies, plasma product manufacturing, and transfusion practices.

Main Results:

• The 'male donor preference' policy, while appearing gender-neutral, operates post-donation, reinforcing gendered inequalities.
• The exclusion of female plasma contrasts with the use of male plasma for products like Anti-D immunoglobulin, highlighting a gendered blood economy.
• Blood services' practices actively produce gendered bodies and blood relations.

Conclusions:

• Gender significantly shapes blood relations and the economic and social practices surrounding blood donation and transfusion.
• Blood policies and product manufacturing perpetuate gendered assumptions and inequalities, challenging notions of universal blood donation.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay of gender, policy, and practice in blood services.